By the time a book on reserve arrives at the library I have forgotten entirely why I reserved it. Neither can I recall the original recommendation, trail, or source of intrigue. My momentary amnesia never lessens the delight from an email notification with a reservation notice - your book is ready to collect.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s “Gift from the Sea” awaited me this week. It showed up at the end of a brief time away to celebrate 24 years of marriage. A tiny timely book of wisdom from a gentle, magnanimous voice.
The first sentence stopped me right away. I couldn’t get beyond this invitation to pause and read on repeat:
“I began these pages for myself, in order to think out my own particular pattern of living, my own individual balance of life, work and human relationships.”
Particular patterns of living. Such an interesting subject of reflection, and one that belongs to solitary inner work. Is it worth it? I read it last night and sat with it this morning.
This accomplished, adventurous woman held secrets to meaning, purpose and integrity (wholeness). I think patterns are worth interrogating - they can lead us or cure us or reveal beautiful things to us. Or maybe just make a little more sense out of this moment. Life, work and human relationships ask so much, sometimes too much in one season, sometimes not enough. Anne Morrow Lindbergh found a pencil and starting writing. She offers this worthy enquiry - to take up the work of listening, writing and paying attention - if only to small, but particular patterns of life.