A Permeable Life: Poems Essays

In the ever-evolving landscape of human consciousness, we find ourselves navigating a paradoxical realm where boundaries blur and identities merge. Our existence, once perceived as insular and self-contained, has become increasingly fluid and permeable, challenging our most fundamental assumptions.

The Poems of Permeable Life

The concept of permeable life finds profound expression in the evocative poems of writers who have explored the complexities of human experience with sensitivity and insight. These poets invite us to transcend the confines of our individual selves and embrace a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness.

Pablo Neruda's "Ode to the Wetness"

A Permeable Life: Poems & Essays

by Carrie Newcomer

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	292 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	7.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.42 x 8.5 inches

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In Pablo Neruda's "Ode to the Wetness," we encounter a world where boundaries dissolve in the face of overwhelming sensuality:

> "I dig my hand in the rain, I squeeze it, > I open it: nothing, > only a little wetness."

Neruda's imagery transports us into a realm where the tactile sensation of rain merges seamlessly with the inner workings of the body, creating a visceral experience of unity and permeability.

Mary Oliver's "When Death Comes"

Mary Oliver's "When Death Comes" explores the inevitability of mortality and the fragility of life:

> "When death comes > like the hungry bear in autumn > when death comes > and takes all the bright coins from his purse"

Oliver confronts the harsh reality of death, reminding us that even in the face of finitude, our lives are interconnected with the larger rhythms of the natural world.

Rumi's "This Breathing Body"

In Rumi's "This Breathing Body," the body becomes a vessel of both life and interconnectedness:

> "This breathing body > is the mirror of the heart, > and heart is the mirror > of the whole universe"

Rumi's words evoke a profound sense of the body's role as a conduit for the flow of life and consciousness, connecting us to a vast cosmic harmony.

The Essays of Permeable Life

The exploration of permeable life extends beyond the realm of poetry into the domain of essays, where writers have delved into the philosophical, social, and spiritual implications of this transformative concept.

Rebecca Solnit's "A Field Guide to Getting Lost"

In Rebecca Solnit's "A Field Guide to Getting Lost," she argues that the act of getting lost can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and a deeper understanding of our place in the world:

> "Getting lost is a way of finding out where you are."

Solnit's essay challenges conventional notions of orientation and belonging, inviting us to embrace the uncertainty and impermanence that accompany the journey of life.

bell hooks' "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love"

bell hooks' "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love" explores the pervasive influence of patriarchal norms on our understanding of gender and relationships:

> "The desire to be loved and the desire to be free both require change."

hooks argues that true liberation requires a radical redefinition of masculinity, one that fosters vulnerability, empathy, and a genuine connection with others.

Thich Nhat Hanh's "Interbeing: Fourteen Guidelines for Engaged Buddhism"

In Thich Nhat Hanh's "Interbeing: Fourteen Guidelines for Engaged Buddhism," the concept of permeable life finds expression in the Buddhist principle of interdependence:

> "Everything is interconnected. Everything is interpenetrating."

Hanh's teachings guide us toward a path of mindfulness and compassion, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the responsibility that flows from that understanding.

Embracing the Permeable Life

The poets and essayists of permeable life offer a profound invitation to question our assumptions, to embrace the fluidity of existence, and to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Embracing the permeable life requires a willingness to let go of the illusion of separateness and to recognize the interconnected web of life that sustains us. It is a journey of vulnerability, compassion, and continuous growth, reminding us that true belonging extends beyond the boundaries of our individual selves.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the concept of permeable life becomes an increasingly relevant and essential guide. By embracing the fragility and interconnectedness of our existence, we can unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves, our place in the world, and the profound power of genuine connection.

A Permeable Life: Poems & Essays

by Carrie Newcomer

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	292 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	7.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.5 x 0.42 x 8.5 inches

FREE