Where do I even begin? Four nights in Hanoi and six nights in the countryside of Mai Chau just flew by…there’s so much to share about this visit to the northern area of Vietnam. But before I go there…thank you to everyone for your comments on my last post. Like many of you, I was feeling so much angst and in such a funk about all the craziness happening in our world. I still can’t emphasize enough about the power of writing it out and then of course…fleeing the country, ha!
On the last day before the long flight home, I visited a few of my favorite bloggers to see what they were up to and came across SusanMarie’s posting from her blog Windrock Studio. She too was having similar feelings and shared the words of Clarissa Pinkola Estes…”You Were Made For This” on her posting The Power of Words. I was totally blown away by the power of Ms. Estes’ words…particularly these…
Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach.
Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul,
to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely.
It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good.
I encourage you to read all her words in Susan’s post…so much value in those paragraphs. I also couldn’t agree more with a comment from Christine…one of SusanMarie’s visitors to her blog…The more horrible events that happen, the more within our reach we need to reach out. May we never stop reaching, even if this madness stops. This trip helped me immensely. I’ll share more soon about how a getaway to Vietnam turned into a wonderful heartfelt experience of giving to others.
If you’re wondering about the bird cages in the above image…filled with songbirds…they were everywhere throughout our visit in Vietnam…along the streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, in fashion prom dress shops, in homes…all for pleasure is what I was told.
Yes GG… Bill and I have been feeling the same sadness about the state of our country today…. But, Bill and I know he and I can’t save the masses… so Bill and I just try to reach out to everyone we meet and leave them better than we found them if only to be the reason they smile that day… XoXo
And you two do that in such a wonderful way!! Keep on keeping on! counting the days! xoxox
Well, this was a surprise and a treat. I was so loving the image of the bird cages and thought you would be sharing some more from your trip, and I certainly look forward to that, but I do appreciate that the words of that mighty fine writer seems to have helped some of us in trying to deal with our world. I just can’t imagine how it must have felt to leave NYC and spend time in the places where you traveled and spent some time, must have been so good for the soul.
I’m happy and pleased to have you back in my sphere, only wish it was closer than the city and the desert. I just heart you so much.
Oh SusanMarie…so good for the soul. I pinch myself all the time that I’m so fortunate to see parts of this world that is so different than what we experience here in the U.S. We take so much for granted here. As I mentioned to you before…I was really taken by the message you posted and just returning from giving supplies and clothes to the children in this remote village up in the mountains…well it just left me speechless. The timing of your message was just perfect for me in so many ways. Thank you so much! ❤️ you!
I read those words from Clarissa Pinkola Estes on Susan’s blog the other day and was touched as well, Robin. C.P. Estes is one of my favorite writers, of course (especially Women Who Run With the Wolves, one of the few books I brought over the Pond with me). Believe it or not, sometimes I think my main purpose in life is to BE THERE for my wife as she tries to navigate her working world at this late time in her life. Other than that, the Universe seems to know when the right persons at the right time are meant to cross my path for the sake of all of us. I am learning to trust this process….and actually pray for it and its wisdom….
Love your thoughts…I know Astrid so appreciates having you to help with the navigation! I’m a firm believer in the Universe and couldn’t agree more. Thank you Ginnie…always enjoy your perspective!
Yes … we have no idea how simply being here and responding as you did, and loving each other, can affect change. Did I say this before here? I keep thinking of Mother Theresa’s words (at least they are attributed to her): “You want to change the world? Go home and love your family.” I take it to heart. And then there is what you have done in Vietnam; I can’t wait to hear.
So true Ruth! I’ve always felt change had to be big, but as I age I’m finding it’s all the little things that add up that ultimately makes my heart sing! Thank you!
… oh and the birdcages … simply for pleasure … how beautiful!
Yes!!!
What a lovely image of the birds which are just kept for pleasure. Listening to their song must be good for the soul and mind. Maybe we all should listen more to the songs inside ourselves and we might be a person who is a pleasure to others.
Couldn’t agree more Karen!!
Oh, and thank you!!!
Yes, yes, stretching out to reach each other, tightening the net in our small corner… becoming songbirds! x
Yes, yes, yes Susan!!! Songbirds!
Thank you Robin for always pointing me in the right direction to learn something new, think about something in a different way, or find my way. The link to SusanMarie and the thoughtful words from CP Estes left me feeling hopeful. I do believe in the power of one – one person making one change that affects one person powerfully. Thank you for helping to set the world straight – for me! Beautiful images of the song bird houses – perfect for these bittersweet times.
Donna…thank you always for your sweet words…you are a beautiful songbird for sure!
Stunning post of Susan’s; I wholeheartedly second that emotion!
Wonderful words of wisdom.
Cheering inside for every word echoed.
Thanks again so much,
Jennifer
It was so so good…I just had to share! Thanks Jennifer!
Yes me too….bewildered and hanging in there…just about…..it helps that you and Susan and others are reaching out, speaking out and holding this space for all of us. XXX
I find it often hard to speak out…but then I reach my boiling point and the lid blows off! Ha! Thanks Catherine!
I had missed Susan’s earlier post and am so glad your post directed me there. And now I can’t wait to see more photos of your travel and hear about your experience. I think many people are reevaluating their lives right now and thinking about their priorities and what more the can do to affect the path this world is taking.
So glad you got to read it Maery! So good! I so agree with you…crazy world that just keeps getting crazier and we all have to find our own way to cope! Stay tuned…more to come! Always appreciate your visits!
Hi Robin ~
I went to the post before this one and read there what you had posted on Facebook. I could not agree more with your words. The fear of refugees is misplaced and misguided and very damaging. I am not sure how we will heal all the conflict in society when fear spreads fast and furiously on the internet. We need to figure out how to stay ahead of it somehow and spread love and understanding. Then there will be less and less room for the hate. It sounds like you are doing just that by taking school supplies and clothes to Vietnam. You are living my words you generously shared here. Thank you for the good you do in this world.
Christine
Thanks Christine so much for your visit! Your comments made my day! Feels good to know there’s other like minded souls!