For the last few weeks, I’ve been feeling meloncholy. I’m tired, and the darkness comes early in Seattle this time of year. Yet, the majority of the time the rain and darkness doesn’t feel like an enemy, just another part of the rhythm of life. Thus, instead of fighting the feelings of meloncholy, I instead try to embrace them. There is beauty in the downbeats, and I can be thankful for them much of the time. Moments like these spur me on to self-reflection and thoughtfulness in a way the more euphoric moments do not.
Days like today are Tom Waits days, when I’m reminded of the beauty that can only be found in the rough places, and the hope that is always present even in the darkness. So, it is in honor of this Tom Waits kind of day that I offer you the suggestion of taking a few minutes to single task, to stop surfing the internet, listening to music, watching tv, and getting work done all at once. Try just staring out a window, or writing a poem in silence, or taking a walk without your ipod. Or, as I like to do, sit and listen to a song, not as a distraction or accompaniment to whatever else you are doing, but with your eyes closed, concentrating only on the song and the thoughts and feelings that come along with it.
“You Can Never Hold Back Spring” was my weapon of choice:
