it is quiet in the shop. quiet,
except for the whispered swish
of my draw knife as it shapes
the walking stick I’m carving
it is a soft sound as the bright sharp steel
peels long thin shavings from
the ash branch, wrist thick, that
came from the tree that over hangs the shop
ordinarily the shop is full of noise and dust
as power tools cut and joint, rip and route,
fasten and sand the usual run of boxes
and buckets, toys and turnings that tumble
in a fitful stream from my workbench.
walking sticks are a sideline, these carved
sticks are a sideline to that. for better
or worse mine is a power shop
power tools demand you attention, hand tools
invite your participation in the work
the swish, swish, swish of steel on wood encourages
meditation, provides insight – illumination
tomorrow i will back to buckets and boxes but
for today I will listen to the sound of steel
slicing wood centering myself in its mantra
to find calm, inspiration, and insight
I have two walking sticks, used to be three, but rufuz claimed one as his throw toy...LOL. Also, I find the time I, now you may find this kinda weird, but I find it meditative to wash and wax and generally clean my Jeep...it relaxes me no end and brings about a feeling of calm as well as I get my jeep to looking its best...Ed
Reviewed by Linda Luna (Reader)
Reviewed on March 31, 2005
Thank you,John, for this meditative write. I can hear the swish as I read and center.
Fine write. The repetitive movements and sound would put you in a meditative state. It is the same with walking for me, or anything that could be done in your sleep--like laundry or dishes. These everyday activities give us the opportunity for deep contemplation...
A story with original photography, digital art, and illustration, about Son of Waves, 12 Dolphins to save the planet, David The Visionary on the beach in Tel Aviv, a digital messiah, and an internet of Love. Free PDF download.
Because we have an opportunity to choose our attitude and focus our intentions in the present moment, the world and our own personal lives are a reflection of our thoughts. It is our 360 degree review on how we think. Put simply, our job is to fully
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Do you have a pipe or match "hanging" from your mouth?
This is how I picture this one!!
Love it!!
Love Tionka