Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Ordinary Arts at Home


"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home 
are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."   
~ Thomas Moore




I have been spending a lot of time at home. Honestly, I've been hiding. My brother's death was certainly a shock to my heart and soul, but it has also been more painful than I could have ever imagined were I given to imagining such sorrowful scenarios. But as it stands, I am here and he is gone and I must keep moving. And whatever guilt or shame I experience, I know in my bones that forward momentum in the wake of his passing is good. It is natural. 

The way I have chosen to orchestrate my healing is via my home. I have reorganized the rooms. I have purged unnecessary household items. I've organized closets and shelves and pantries. I've created order out of chaos. I've re-shuffled my inner resources in order to attend to my grieving heart. Some might say that I'm busying myself with my home because I'm avoiding my grief. But that is not the case. My home is the instrument of my healing. 

These ordinary, small every day arts are my salvation. They keep food on the table, money in the bank, children comforted, my marriage at center, my work in process, my grieving heart buoyed and my soul sustained. The work I am doing at home is delicate, authentic, valuable and absolutely essential to my survival. 

5 comments:

Camille said...

Beautifully articulated, Sarah. Sending you SO MUCH love. xoxox

Anna said...

So very well said. Grief is highly personal, not textbook. Grieving brings healing and one cannot happen w/o the other. I love that this is working for you. You are creating a freshness within your home and soul as you journey through the healing process.

Emily said...

I get it Sarah. I really do!
Wishing you continued peace and healing thoughts.

Notes From ABroad said...

My husband died , suddenly and shockingly, a year ago. I am still grieving and cannot imagine how long it will take to not cry at the thought of losing him.
Not to depress you more but I just want you to know I understand grief and how it can just pull you down and it seems the only thing that works is to keep as busy as possible , especially your mind.
And to be around people, which I don't have that much but I have a kitten lol ... it is amazing what a tiny needy creature can do for a lonely broken heart.
Sending love and hugs. C

Rachel Anderson said...

That's pretty much exactly what I would do. When the world feels like too much, turn inward and hold tight to those closest to you. much love..