“I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.”
Beautiful words that I found via FB, together with this quote:
Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
Martin Luther King Jr.
I just had to share this quote because it is so beautiful, so true, so strong and it has lived in my heart since I read it. Now it lives on my blog and I’ve also copied it to my diary. Words like that is like poetry to me, and at the same time they can be very political and/or philosophical. And then there are flowers, like my first wire flower:
My wire flower is pink!
Wire + fabric together, hard and soft… you wouldn’t believe that this combination could work well together but I think they do! The fabric is soft as petals and the wire lends it strength and structure beautifully to the fabric…
I’ve learned to craft a wire flower from reading Jennifer Swift’s wonderful book Creative Bloom that I recently reviewed here. Check out her blog Art as usual for more wire inspiration.
Every life is precious
This weekend I also found a beautiful and thought provoking blog post by Rebecca Kuder, that relates to the quote above and my feelings about our precious life here on earth. In her post she states that she is a pacifist and she writes:
Some people believe that a human can be inherently evil. I believe that humans are born with curiosity and kindness, the natural state of a child. If, for whatever reason, those natural characteristics are neglected or broken, sometimes a person can gnarl as they grow, becoming one who does horrible (or “unskilled”) acts. Experiences mix with beliefs, among other essential ingredients, and shape a person.
Read her full post Solo – bird as metaphor.
Metta to you!
A few years back now, I adopted Kindness as my religion. When faced with a decision or a problem, I try and ask myself “What would love do ?” or “How can Love be applied here ?”. It is not always and easy road to follow, but I think many of us are waking up to the notion that shining light and love on things is the way to live our precious lives on this planet. I see you beautiful creative, kind heart, Hanna. Metta to you to, my friend !
ps : Love the flower too !;)
Aww Kim, thank you!! Your kindness is shining! I can feel it all the way to Sweden! I wish I could say that I am as kind as I want to be, but it’s not always easy. Your religion rocks my friend!
I love the Martin Luther King quote. I came across another of his wonderful quotes that I wrote about last week:
“Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.”
I think one leads to another. Approaching life with love brings fulfilment and happiness we may not otherwise find. I try but I have to admit it’s not only hard, I don’t always succeed.
Hope you’re having a love-filled day.
I saw those two quotes too and love them. I hadn’t written them in my journal but now, I think I will.
It’s not always easy being kind and loving in today’s society. But I think that if we are aware of not being completely kind when it happens, it’s already a step forward.
Your wire flower is pretty. :-)
Hugs,
Sophie
You’re first quote is very moving, especially in the light of recent events. I’m so torn about what has all happened, but I’m leaning towards this quote. Hate isn’t cured with hate. I’m going to copy this one down and remember it. Thanks!
Love both quotes!
And… the bright wired flower, fabulous :]
Always inspiring thoughts & ideas on your site.
Thank you.
Thanks for your lovely comments! I was posting the quotes thinking of “recent events” of course, but not wanting to be to political. So glad you like them, and my blog! :-) And the wire flower, oh my lovely wire flower!
Hanna, this is a great set of reminders to us. I think the mundane parts of our lives can crowd out the important, enduring qualities of existence and being human. Thank you for sharing this.
That last bit you write, quoting Rebecca Kuder is amazing (though they all are pretty good).
Hanna, thanks so much for including my thoughts in your post. I’m glad you found my blog, and I love perusing yours. It’s nice to know there are others (around the planet) thinking about these things, and sending positive into the world. I’ve been trying to remember to consciously practice “loving kindness” as I think Pema Chodron leads us: “May you enjoy happiness and the root of all happiness. May you be free from suffering and the root of all suffering.” When I remember and do this practice, the way seems easier.