To pay attention in the woods

Maine woods: 2012

“Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet

confinement of your aloneness

to learn

anything or anyone

that does not bring you alive

is too small for you.” 

― David Whyte, The House of Belonging

“Sometimes I need

only to stand

wherever I am 

to be blessed.” 

― Mary Oliver, Evidence: Poems

“Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going.” 

― Mary Oliver

“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, 

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.” 

― Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

“You must learn one thing. 

The world was made to be free in. 

Give up all the other worlds

Except the one in which you belong.” 

― David Whyte

“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” 

― Mary Oliver

Photos taken by Ryn