“Does anything in nature despair except man? An animal with a foot caught in a trap does not seem to despair. It is too busy trying to survive. It is all closed in, to a kind of still, intense waiting. Is this a key? Keep busy with survival. Imitate the trees. Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long, not even pain, psychic pain. Sit it out. Let it all pass. Let it go.”
Explore This Quote Further
Reflecting on Nature and Resilience
"“Does anything in nature despair except man? An animal with a foot caught in a trap does not seem to despair. It is too busy trying to survive. It is all closed in, to a kind of still, intense waiting. Is this a key? Keep busy with survival. Imitate the trees. Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long, not even pain, psychic pain. Sit it out. Let it all pass. Let it go.” - May Sarton"
Analysis
In this quote, May Sarton discusses the concept of despair in nature, contrasting it with the way humans often experience despair. She observes that animals in nature, even when caught in a trap, do not seem to despair like humans do. Instead, they focus on surviving and staying busy. Sarton suggests that humans can learn from nature and adopt a similar attitude towards despair. By staying busy with survival and practicing acceptance of change, humans can endure and eventually overcome their pain. The imagery of imitating trees and their ability to lose leaves in order to bloom again emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the importance of letting go of negative emotions. Overall, Sarton's message highlights the resilience and adaptability found in nature, which humans can draw upon in times of despair.
Modern Relevance of May Sarton's Reflection
In today's fast-paced world filled with constant stress and pressure, May Sarton's words about learning to cope and survive in difficult times resonate more than ever. The idea of staying busy, like the animals in nature, and allowing pain to pass is a valuable lesson for our mental health and well-being. As we navigate challenging situations, remembering that nothing stays the same forever and finding ways to cope and move forward can provide us with the strength and resilience needed to face whatever comes our way.
Reflection Questions:
In considering this quote by May Sarton, it is important to reflect on our relationship with nature and our ability to cope with despair. Here are some questions to consider:
- How do animals in nature react to adversity compared to humans?
- What can we learn from nature about handling difficult situations?
- How can the idea of "losing in order to recover" be applied to our own lives?
- Have you experienced a situation where sitting back and letting things pass has been beneficial?
- In what ways can we imitate the resilience of trees in facing challenges?
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