18 Comments

Thank you, as always Hal, for sharing your poetic voice and your vulnerability. You continue to touch me, even though you say you are doing nothing. And your photographs are beautiful. Thank you so much.

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Well-said! The silence has something to say and you’re tapping into it. Being busy is escapism and sitting in silence will say from what.

While reading today’s beautiful writing, I thought of Tom Petty’s song “You belong among the wildflowers.” Rumor has it in some corners that he wrote it (a kind of love letter of pure love and acceptance) to himself after his marriage collapsed and it served as a love letter to those years, that life, and those in it too.

May your wildflowers continue to softly whisper wisdom to all who sit with their beautiful, wild silence. 🌺🤍

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“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

Seemed appropriate! Love you!

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Hi Hal Son! Usually I ‘read’ your Substack, but this morning I decided to LISTEN …..and It turned out to be a good choice! During my visits, I knit and ramble on….and you respond with a monosyllable! Today I felt joy to hear your voice …even though slow and measured ….deliver whole sentences! It was a blessing for me! ❤️🙏🙏🙏ma

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Some of your best writing yet, Hal. I’m in awe that despite your crushing fatigue, you manage to weave your words together in such a profoundly meaningful way. I’ll think of your beautiful message while I embrace stillness and look at my surroundings with new appreciation.

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Love your flowers, Hal! My friend has turned his backyard into a small meadow. Very peaceful ! One can feel a connection with the All while watching the wind blow the plants, his sun powered fountain flow, the birds come and go from the feeder and the bird house, Thanks for reminding us to enjoy the quiet!

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Hal, your flower shots are worthy of many pix contests! Quietly lovely. Thanks.

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Ahh

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You have created a beautiful testimony to being one with the earth, one with the present moment. Thank you for reminding me to look for joy in each moment for that is all we really have.

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I wish I could see those Ohio wildflowers! 🤍

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I’ve listened to this about a dozen times, Hal! And I love it more each time!

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Ha! I should listen. There’s so much I want to do!

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Hi Hal. It is always good to hear your voice. We listed to this episode (90) on our way to SI. We also heard one of your recordings during the SI closing ceremony slide show. You continue to have a big impact on me and the SI community. Love, John

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Thanks John. I'm glad to hear that you were at SI. I miss it alot. I'll miss it even more if I can't be there next year at Oberlin. Praying for a miracle. ❤️ H

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I rarely comment but often come here to read your words. I wish that I lived nearby, and I'd come to sit with you every day.

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Thank you. I appreciate the thought. :). H

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Beautiful flowers Hal . I am sitting on my lovely garden bench looking at the sky and at the trees . The cat from next door is sitting in her usual place in the middle of the lawn . It’s chilly but I will stay out for a while longer . I savour these evenings in the fresh air , the peace and calm is incredible

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Hi Hal, Thank you so much for sharing your journey so intimately and honestly. I am sitting here “doing nothing” but thinking about the lessons your suffering is giving me. You are a gift. How fortunate I am that my path crossed with yours. From your still quiet place your life today has great purpose and meaning and it has touched me deeply. Thank again. Michele xo

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