Attention without feeling - is only a report

Attention without feeling - is only a report

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, often explored the deep connection between nature and human emotion in her work. One of her most famous quotes is, “Attention without feeling - is only a report.” This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of Oliver’s poetry and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of not just observing the world around us, but truly experiencing it with all of our senses and emotions.

In her poetry, Mary Oliver often delves into the beauty and wonder of the natural world, from the delicate petals of a flower to the vast expanse of the ocean. She encourages her readers to pay attention to the small details and moments that make life so rich and meaningful. However, Oliver also recognizes that simply observing the world without truly feeling it is a hollow experience. To truly appreciate and connect with the world around us, we must engage with it on a deeper level, allowing ourselves to be moved and inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature.

For Oliver, attention without feeling is like reading a dry report or list of facts – it may provide information, but it lacks the depth and richness that comes from truly experiencing something. In her poetry, she invites her readers to open their hearts and minds to the world around them, to let themselves be touched by the beauty and wonder that surrounds them. By allowing ourselves to feel deeply and authentically, we can forge a deeper connection with the natural world and with ourselves.