One day, Cathy, when the world has settled into something closer to harmony, I’d love to join you on a walk around NYC. The way you describe your city makes me want to see it with you as a companion. I loved New York when I was there many years ago but your version is really special.
I love your distinction between peace and harmony but I’m also struck by the implied distinction between connection and harmony. The sign next to your bench encouraging conversation and connection is a wonderful thing but what you describe experiencing feels like a conversation and moment of connection with the whole world around you rather than just one person.
Did anyone join you for a chat while you were there? I realise that would be a different piece of writing, but I just want to stay with you in the park for a while. Xx
How do I even begin to thank you for this incredible comment, Miranda?! First of all, YES - I would LOVE to join you on an exploration of NYC!!! To me, it keeps getting better over time, so I think you'll see that a lot of good changes have taken place.
Sadly, no one joined me on the bench. In fact, no one even walked past me. It was a pretty slow day in the park, but I will go back often and will see what happens. I just may write about it - probably as a Note.
And yes, I think of the connection I felt sitting on that stone bench as a conversation with the Universe. I wonder if the designer thought of that kind of conversation when she was creating this. It was truly everything - the sounds of people, dogs, birds; the scents wafting on the cool breeze. I can feel it again as I sit here writing, filling my heart with the warmth of well-being. It was a delicious conversation...! --XX!!
The park has an art installation every year and no two have been even remotely similar. I would love to see this one kept permanently. It’s off to the side where that might be doable. We will see…!! 💕💕
Might it be moved to another site somewhere? They sometimes do that with the show gardens at the RHS flower shows in the UK (Chelsea, Hampton Court etc.) They get uprooted and re-planted at hospitals, hospices, schools and other worthy places.
One of the interesting things about harmony is that it generally, though not always, requires differences to produce. In a world where some groups want to homogenize culture, your post is a reminder of the beauty of differences beautifully balanced.
A beautiful piece, Cathy. The word "harmony" now feels different for me, after reading this. It's more textured and layered: "I became one with the birds singing, the happy voices of fellow park visitors, the dogs playing in their dog run (my go-to happy place). The cool breeze was filled with the scent of the plants that surrounded me." 💜
Thank you, Rhaine! As I wrote, I also became aware of my concept of harmony deepening. I love that you felt it more textured and layered - that is so beautiful!
Cathy, You always bless us with your unique insights on conversation and being a more peaceful human. I love the way you distinguished harmony and peace.
Lovely essay, Cathy. I remember La Maison Japonaise. Great restaurant. And oh, Art and Paul. Wish they could have dealt with the disharmony, but what they gave us is gold. xo
Thank you, Nan! I agree about the gold Art and Paul gave us. Fortunately, we still have their recordings so that beautiful sound will never go away. And how wonderful you know and enjoyed La Maison Japonaise! They opened the door for so much that followed. 💕
Each of your letters feels like a deep breath in followed by a long, relaxed exhale. Thank you for gifting us these small moments of respite from the chaos of the world, like this reminder of how harmony exists all around us in so many beautiful ways. I will be on the lookout for reflections of harmony in my day today. 💜
Thank you for this oh so kind comment, Jamie! I feel the harmony that exists in each photo you share of your beautiful garden and the woods surrounding your home. My body instantly relaxes into each one I see, and I cannot help but smile. 💕❤️💕
I agree about those restaurants. They look fantastic! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Paulette. I have a feeling there is much more to explore over time. ☺️
One day, Cathy, when the world has settled into something closer to harmony, I’d love to join you on a walk around NYC. The way you describe your city makes me want to see it with you as a companion. I loved New York when I was there many years ago but your version is really special.
I love your distinction between peace and harmony but I’m also struck by the implied distinction between connection and harmony. The sign next to your bench encouraging conversation and connection is a wonderful thing but what you describe experiencing feels like a conversation and moment of connection with the whole world around you rather than just one person.
Did anyone join you for a chat while you were there? I realise that would be a different piece of writing, but I just want to stay with you in the park for a while. Xx
How do I even begin to thank you for this incredible comment, Miranda?! First of all, YES - I would LOVE to join you on an exploration of NYC!!! To me, it keeps getting better over time, so I think you'll see that a lot of good changes have taken place.
Sadly, no one joined me on the bench. In fact, no one even walked past me. It was a pretty slow day in the park, but I will go back often and will see what happens. I just may write about it - probably as a Note.
And yes, I think of the connection I felt sitting on that stone bench as a conversation with the Universe. I wonder if the designer thought of that kind of conversation when she was creating this. It was truly everything - the sounds of people, dogs, birds; the scents wafting on the cool breeze. I can feel it again as I sit here writing, filling my heart with the warmth of well-being. It was a delicious conversation...! --XX!!
I checked out your link to the garden. Is it only a temporary space? That seems a great shame. Will it be replaced by something equally lovely? xx
The park has an art installation every year and no two have been even remotely similar. I would love to see this one kept permanently. It’s off to the side where that might be doable. We will see…!! 💕💕
Might it be moved to another site somewhere? They sometimes do that with the show gardens at the RHS flower shows in the UK (Chelsea, Hampton Court etc.) They get uprooted and re-planted at hospitals, hospices, schools and other worthy places.
Well that’s a nice thought! I am not aware of them doing that in the past, but there’s always a first time…!
One of the interesting things about harmony is that it generally, though not always, requires differences to produce. In a world where some groups want to homogenize culture, your post is a reminder of the beauty of differences beautifully balanced.
Thank you, Mark - so beautifully stated! The challenge is to learn that balance. I am hopeful we'll be able to find it.
A beautiful piece, Cathy. The word "harmony" now feels different for me, after reading this. It's more textured and layered: "I became one with the birds singing, the happy voices of fellow park visitors, the dogs playing in their dog run (my go-to happy place). The cool breeze was filled with the scent of the plants that surrounded me." 💜
Thank you, Rhaine! As I wrote, I also became aware of my concept of harmony deepening. I love that you felt it more textured and layered - that is so beautiful!
Cathy, You always bless us with your unique insights on conversation and being a more peaceful human. I love the way you distinguished harmony and peace.
Thank you, Sandra - your kind comment brings with it a harmonious feeling that all is right with the world. ☺️💕
Lovely essay, Cathy. I remember La Maison Japonaise. Great restaurant. And oh, Art and Paul. Wish they could have dealt with the disharmony, but what they gave us is gold. xo
Thank you, Nan! I agree about the gold Art and Paul gave us. Fortunately, we still have their recordings so that beautiful sound will never go away. And how wonderful you know and enjoyed La Maison Japonaise! They opened the door for so much that followed. 💕
Each of your letters feels like a deep breath in followed by a long, relaxed exhale. Thank you for gifting us these small moments of respite from the chaos of the world, like this reminder of how harmony exists all around us in so many beautiful ways. I will be on the lookout for reflections of harmony in my day today. 💜
Thank you for this oh so kind comment, Jamie! I feel the harmony that exists in each photo you share of your beautiful garden and the woods surrounding your home. My body instantly relaxes into each one I see, and I cannot help but smile. 💕❤️💕
What a fantastic conversation about the various aspects of the meaning of harmony.
Thank you for the links! Now I want to visit New Orleans and those restaurants.
I agree about those restaurants. They look fantastic! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Paulette. I have a feeling there is much more to explore over time. ☺️
Harmony - a favorite word, philosophy, tattoo :)
I love it! Thank you for this, Rena. Does the tattoo include a few musical notes? Something else? 🎼🎶
Japanese character
Fabulous!!!!