SEE THE WORLD LIKE A POET AND AN ARTIST

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“Pass through this brief patch of time in harmony with nature, and come to your final resting place gracefully, just as a ripened olive might drop, praising the earth that nourished it and grateful to the tree that gave it growth.” 
—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 4.48.2

Life, in all its messy beauty, throws curveballs. Chronic illness, like my fibromyalgia, can feel like an endless series of them. Pain is a constant companion, a reminder of the fragility of the human body. Yet, despite the daily struggles, I choose to rise.

My Pagan beliefs deeply resonate with the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. The quote, "Pass through this brief patch of time in harmony with nature, and come to your final resting place gracefully, just as a ripened olive might drop..." reminds me that life, like the seasons, has its cycles. Pain, suffering, and even death are all part of the natural order.

Just as the olive, having fulfilled its purpose, gracefully releases from the tree, we too must learn to accept the inevitable. Jax's surgery, my mother's health challenges – these are reminders of life's fragility. They force us to confront the impermanence of all things.

But instead of dwelling on fear and anxiety, I choose to focus on the present moment. To savor the small joys – a warm cup of tea, a gentle breeze, the laughter of loved ones. To live in harmony with nature, appreciating the beauty around me, even in the midst of pain.

This doesn't mean ignoring the challenges. It means acknowledging them, accepting them, and then moving forward. It means finding grace in the struggle, recognizing that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty to be found.

My Paganism teaches me that all things in nature are interconnected, that life and death are two sides of the same coin. Death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural transition, a return to the earth from whence we came.

So, I will continue to rise each day, to embrace the joy and beauty that life offers. I will cherish the time I have with my loved ones, letting go of the need to control, to cling to the fleeting moments. I will strive to live a life of purpose and meaning, honoring the interconnectedness of all things.

And when the time comes, I will strive to meet death with the same grace as the falling olive, grateful for the life I have lived, the lessons I have learned, and the love I have shared.


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