“There's something I have learned from what I've lived:lf you're to live something, live it to its fullest Your beloved should fall exhausted from your kisses You should fall exhausted from smelling a flowerOne can watch the sky for hours Can for hours watch the sea, a bird, a child To live on earth is to mingle with it Growing roots that cannot be eradicatedWhen you hug a friend you should hug him vigorously You should fight with all your muscles, body, passionAnd once you stretch out on the hot sand You should rest like a grain of sand, a leaf, a stoneOne should listen to all the beautiful music on earth So as to fill all his being with sounds and songs One should dive into life as if Diving from a rock into an emerald seaDistant lands should lure you, people you do not know You should burn with desire to read all the books, to know all the lives You should not exchange for anything the pleasure of drinking a glass of water All the joys should fill you with the yearning to liveAnd you should live grief also, with honor, with all your being For grief also, like joy, matures a person Your blood should mingle with the great circulation of life In your veins must circulate the eternal fresh blood of lifeThere is something I have learned from what I've lived: If you're to live, live big, as if you are mingling with the rivers, the sky, the whole universeFor what we call a life span is a gift to life And life is a gift to mankind”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Ataol Behramoğlu, the author emphasizes the importance of fully immersing oneself in all aspects of life. He urges readers to experience every sensation and emotion to the fullest extent, whether it be love, joy, grief, or simply the beauty of nature. Behramoğlu underscores the idea that life is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted, encouraging individuals to embrace all that it has to offer. Through his vivid imagery and passionate language, the author conveys a message of living boldly and authentically, savoring every moment and cherishing the richness of human existence.
Modern Relevance of Living Life to the Fullest
Ataol Behramoğlu's words remind us of the importance of fully immersing ourselves in life and all it has to offer. In a world that often feels fast-paced and chaotic, taking the time to truly experience and appreciate the beauty around us can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment. This poem serves as a powerful reminder to embrace all aspects of life, both the joys and the sorrows, and to make the most of the precious gift of existence.
Embracing Life to Its Fullest
"There's something I have learned from what I've lived: If you're to live something, live it to its fullest. Your beloved should fall exhausted from your kisses. You should fall exhausted from smelling a flower. One can watch the sky for hours. Can for hours watch the sea, a bird, a child. To live on earth is to mingle with it. Growing roots that cannot be eradicated.
When you hug a friend you should hug him vigorously. You should fight with all your muscles, body, passion. And once you stretch out on the hot sand. You should rest like a grain of sand, a leaf, a stone. One should listen to all the beautiful music on earth. So as to fill all his being with sounds and songs. One should dive into life as if. Diving from a rock into an emerald sea.
Distant lands should lure you, people you do not know. You should burn with desire to read all the books, to know all the lives. You should not exchange for anything the pleasure of drinking a glass of water. All the joys should fill you with the yearning to live. And you should live grief also, with honor, with all your being. For grief also, like joy, matures a person. Your blood should mingle with the great circulation of life. In your veins must circulate the eternal fresh blood of life.
There is something I have learned from what I've lived: If you're to live, live big, as if you are mingling with the rivers, the sky, the whole universe. For what we call a life span is a gift to life. And life is a gift to mankind.” - Ataol Behramoğlu".
Reflection Questions:
As you reflect on the poem by Ataol Behramoğlu, consider the following questions:
- How can you live your life to the fullest, according to the poet's perspective?
- In what ways can you embrace all the experiences life has to offer, both joyful and challenging?
- How do you currently approach moments of joy and sorrow in your life? Are there areas where you could deepen your engagement with these experiences?
- What practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily life to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of existence?
- How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude and reverence for the gift of life that you have been given?
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