Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it

Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for her profound observations of the natural world and the human experience. Her poetry often serves as a guide for living a life of mindfulness, wonder, and gratitude. In her poem "Sometimes," Oliver offers simple yet powerful instructions for living a life that is fully present and engaged with the world around us.

The first instruction Oliver gives is to "pay attention." This directive is a call to mindfulness, to be fully present in each moment and to notice the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. In a world that is often busy and distracted, it can be easy to overlook the small miracles that occur every day. By paying attention, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the world around us.

The second instruction is to "be astonished." This is an invitation to marvel at the world and all its wonders, to be open to the awe and mystery of existence. Oliver's poetry is filled with moments of astonishment, from the delicate beauty of a flower to the vastness of the night sky. By allowing ourselves to be astonished, we can cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity that can enrich our lives and deepen our connection to the world.

The final instruction is to "tell about it." This is a call to share our experiences and insights with others, to communicate the beauty and wonder we have encountered in our lives. By sharing our stories, we can inspire others to pay attention, be astonished, and find meaning and joy in their own lives. Oliver's poetry serves as a testament to the power of storytelling, to the ways in which words can illuminate the beauty and complexity of the world.