The Pause — Fieldnotes…
An artists’ residence, a respite in silence and solitude ! Château de Muzot - the home of 20th Century Poet Rainer Maria Rilke during his time in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is a now privately owned castle residence situated on the upper valley overlooking the Rhone river. The residing quiet landscape of vineyards with its local flora and fauna served as inspiration and respite for writing his lived experiences still integrating during his stay.
|| Welcome to THE PAUSE — Fieldnotes.
Field notes weave threads of observation with contemplation through a weekly practice of intentional pause for me and for you. A segment that dares to share an unresolved inquiry, as if pausing mid-thought or stating a misplaced sentence. Inspired by self-practice deeply rooted in mindful living through integrating diverse traditions of healing arts, nature, travel and yogic texts, I hope you enjoy this new weekly rhythm for rest and reflection - this universal place of presence the act of writing invites to all.
—
‘The inner - what is it?
if not intensified sky,
hurled through with birds
and deep with
the winds of homecoming.’
~Rainer Maria Rilke.
__
Thanks for being here !
The preliminary unfolding of January has invited me to pause and take it slow while journeying across the threshold of what it means to farewell and shed the remnants of an ending year while readying to welcomely receive a new one.
It is a time of great learning as I experience my first northern hemisphere winter season. As I lean into the pathway of pleasure that lies in loving the ‘process’ in itself, experiencing the effects of what a cold winter encompasses seems vital to my understanding of how the cycles of creation, preservation and destruction come into form through the seasons. Specifically, in relation to how shorter and sharper days of sun and snow form into icy evenings of heaviness and early slumber that call for the mind-body-soul to slow down, to sit in stillness. The previous patterns of seasons past ask for adaptability and review as mental and physical activity habituated and deeply impressed are reviewed and reshaped in the way of what it means to ‘connect.’
~
The first twelve days of January have conjured many encounters in my immediate environment, more so the presence of the works of 20th century poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Having been exposed to whispers of his works through poetic verse and quotes sowed into books and study guides outside the world of poetry, I have come to deeply admire the melodic rhythm of universality which he has expressed his interpretations on living, his lyrics on life.
Through this admiration I filter through my own creative process that if spoken would seem to repeatedly ask, ‘ what lyrics are being formed through me as by-products of expression from the life I am living ?’
~ with gratitude,
Frances.
…
[ It’s lovely of you to be here ! To further share in practice, poetry, natural health and travels, join my monthly Newsletter for guided inspiration here. ]
