Well, things don't always turn out as expected or desired and we didn't have a real conversation about Gift From the Sea and Letters to a Young Poet. Even after Mahala's fine posting below, we just didn't get this chain letter type response completely off the ground, so thanks to Michelle and Angie for their thoughts, and if you feel compelled to add something as a comment or new post, carry on!
Tina:
Even though it’s been a long time since I finished the books, I loved the re-visit through MK’s post…especially the quotes and connection to life past and present. What a timely read considering the African adventure at hand. I wish I could revisit an old favorite, with my younger self’s marginalia attached, from my more mature perch. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything so inspirational or likely to have more than factual place markers noted in the margins, a very literal rather than personal/emotional approach to reading. Maybe I should find a book to annotate to reread when I’m 80? Why not start now?
I did mark the section on p.61 taking about God, “Why don’t you think of him as the one who is coming, who has been approaching from all eternity, the one who will someday arrive, the ultimate fruit of a tree whose leaves we are? …everything that happens is again and again a beginning, and couldn’t it be His beginning since, in itself, starting is always so beautiful?” For some reason, that gives me great comfort and hope. I’m muddled in my general beliefs, but here’s something I can ponder for a while, a beginning from which to move forward, a beautiful spot as Rilke says, encouragement for the journey.
Michelle:
A few complications converged to make my review challenging. The time between reading and reviewing, in conjunction with my short-term memory issues has been further complicated by the fact that both books are MIA...taking with them my notes. What struck me about "Letters to a Young Poet" was my desire to read the letters written by the young poet. While Rilke's insights and writing were interesting enough (although I found him to be a bit of a whiner), I wanted to know about the struggles and challenges the young poet was facing. He seemed to be at a crossroads in his life, and part of that I interpreted as his sexual identity. I wish the book was a conversation from both sides.
What surprised me most about "Gift from the Sea" was that it was written by "that" Lindbergh (I had no idea), and that her thoughts and views have stood the test of time. Reading this book 50+ years after it was written, I expected it to miss the mark somehow. But her thoughts on relationships and the challenges women face in this shifting landscape felt very relevant. I enjoyed this book and look forward to locating it and revisiting my notes.
Angie:
A few complications converged to make my review challenging as well. I lost/misplaced Michelle's Rilke book and I chose not to re-read "Gift from the Sea." I had received it as a present upon graduating college (20 years ago) and did not remember it fondly. In fact, I distinctly remember reading it and feeling this pressure to be insightful and peaceful and calm...when all I really felt at that time was an energy and determination to just "get going." I am just not going to be the woman who has long moments of self-contemplation. I am the woman who will shoot off at the mouth without thinking, might lose a friend's book, and who rushes out the door every day of the work week. BUT the thing I can be proud of (and thankful for) is that I know who I am. And I always have.
"...When one is a stranger to one's self then one is a estranged from others too. If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others". Anne Morrow Lindbergh
I appreciate that Lindbergh touched on the struggles that women face in trying to do it all and that she recognized this 50 years ago before feminism hit its stride. The above quote from "Gift from the Sea" takes on new meaning now that I'm 42. It reminds me that the idea of "knowing oneself" must change with time and experiences. And that we must be kind to ourselves in order to truly know our own essence. I don't ever remember feeling quite like the young poet who corresponded with Rilke. (And like Michelle, I was much intrigued with his story than Rilke's responses). But I do know that those moments when I've felt overwhelmed and unprepared and full of questions happen more often when I deny my "authentic" self. When I try to be what I think I should be instead of just accepting the moment.
I came unraveled when Wes was at his worst with depression. I remember standing outside at my aunt's farm after spending a night having a full blown panic attack and feeling like I was spinning in the wind and strands of me were coming undone. I thought I had failed because I felt this...even though I couldn't define "this." I didn't even know I had had a "panic attack." I thought to feel sad and confused meant I couldn't handle it.
Such a learning experience life is. It doesn't always look peaceful and calm, does it? But to come through things with honesty and authenticity, to take in all that life has to offer and then to have the courage to share those experiences with others...that is the real gift.
