Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you replaced all your square tables with round tables? In retrospect how different would your surroundings look or feel? Realistically, this drastic alteration probably isn’t feasible, but assuming imagination is possible, so how would it feel touching, feeling, and smelling new each day? Could the change be sustainable and tolerable?
This summer I’m traveling in Europe with a desire to co-exist in a different way than I did in the States. Taking a chance with COVID doesn’t scare me. I’ve been vaccinated and boosted, which I anticipate, is the world’s future necessity. I’ve an ample supply of masks and wash my hands like a surgeon on constant call. One of my round tables is fearlessness.
How fascinating it is listening to different languages and observing cultures and traditions I normally don’t see. I’m surrounded by many tables.
I’m choosing a chance, embracing a different life without a car, Red-Blue-political news rattle, and a super-sized adaption of must-haves. I’m hoping at the end of this journey, I’ll be more culturally diverse and aware. I’m not putting down what I’ve been accustomed to, but there’s a desirable pendulum swinging towards the middle, showing a greater respect for rounder tables than square ones. I’ve observed more abundant simplicity.
Round or square, the furniture is furniture… yet livability, at least for me, is with the round table.
There’s no fear to re-arrange our lives except within the depths of our minds. These are but shadows and can be driven out into the light with confidence and willpower. Strength is always there; all you have to do is use to keys in your heart and mind. Nothing is done without some kind of fear. It is this element of life that keeps us on our toes.
“When you plant seeds in the garden, you don’t dig them up every day to see if they have sprouted yet. You simply water them and clear away the weeds; you know that the seeds will grow in time. Similarly, just do your daily practice and cultivate a kind heart. Abandon impatience and instead be content creating the causes for goodness; the results will come when they’re ready.”—Thubten Chodron
Hello, dear friend: Wonderful and very timely blog post. Round tables are the thing from which new friends are made, new ways of living encountered and lived. Brava for your fearlessness in facing different lifestyle, cultures and antiquities. We are in the throes of our own new horizons and can totally relate. God Bless you & Tom… And all those with whom you come in contact.
As we all move into a new space and reality, courage is not so much the leader, because we know what has to be done. Empowering decisions are ones needed to move forward and embrace a different form of living.
Glad you’ve arrived at a happy place, rounded and all!
The mind needs a chance to rest without the constant shoving and pushing of the familiar.
Enjoy cousin!! Experiencing a different way e life’❤️
It’s a leap of faith and readiness for something new that I appreciate and live for.
It is a place where the present tense fills with grace and every angle become a work of art. There is no anchor or filter as one drifts into solitude and humbleness. Now every moment is precious and imbued with dreamlike metaphors. You are in the world but not of it.
I’m trying to find a balance of appreciation of not just what I see everyday, but what I’ve grown accustomed to prior to this newness of each day. I regret these journeys were spaced out far too much, but as I’ve gotten older, altering my point of views makes more sense.
Hello Dear Cheryl, Wish I had written earlier however here I am. Love your writing, ‘The Square vs. the Round Table.’ I thoroughly relate having grown up with stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the round table! Deliberately I have two round tables here, one on the balcony and one in my living area. As you illustrate they do bring out a more open, accepting attitude to new perspectives. All to the good. With best enjoyment wishes to you and Tom. Zoë
Zoe, I do believe if we all could visualize a world without sharp edges, what a better world we would live in. I read so much anger and discord in the States, and find while in Europe, the Ukraine and Russia war absolutely exhausting. I crave for that space and time when thoughts and movements are in sync with love, forgiveness, and understanding. Thank you for your kind and supportive words.