Besieged
Besieged as we are, little wonder that men and women alternate between the dream of a place apart, untouched by the world and then wanting to be wanted again in that aloneness. David Whyte, Contemplations I often long for a stress-free life and imagine it might be possible if I could go on pilgrimage or a solitary retreat. In this fantasy, I am at peace with myself in a beautiful and inspiring setting (think far reaching mountains, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, wild ocean shores). On retreat, there is the shelter of a perfectly suited cabin (woodstove!). If on pilgrimage, there is a soft bed with a feather comforter to rest every evening after watching the sunset. I am unopposed and unobligated freed from the repetitions that necessarily come from living a more mundane day to day work-a-day life. If on pilgrimage, I would set out each day towards a new destination not knowing who or what I will see along the way. On retreat, t...