“And consider, always, every day, the determination of grass to grow despite the unending obstacles.”
-Mary Oliver, Evidence
As the busy holiday season arrives, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush. Whether it’s juggling family gatherings, navigating crowded stores, or tackling end-of-year project deadlines, how often do we find ourselves wishing for the week to just be over?
This month, we invite you to slow down. Take a deep breath, step outside for a moment, and let yourself appreciate the earth beneath your feet. Even if you don’t have time for a long walk or hike through the woods, you can still reconnect with nature through the poetry of Pulitzer Prize winner, Mary Oliver (1935-2019).
Devotions by Mary Oliver
Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver (Penguin Books, 2020) is a luminous collection of nature-inspired poetry that celebrates the quiet, often overlooked moments of the natural world. The frenzied pace of life softens into a calm hum. Oliver reminds us of the deep kinship that we share with all living beings, each with its own intrinsic value and right to thrive.
This week, take a cue from her poem “First Snow,” and witness the beauty of the snow that “began here this morning…and only now, deep into the night” finally ended. Listen, for “silence is immense,” and marvel how there is “nowhere the familiar things” when the world magically turns white: “Trees/glitter like castles of ribbon, the broad fields/smolder with light, a passing creekbed lies/heaped with shining hills.”
Take a deep breath and see the natural world with new eyes. “Attention,” writes Mary Oliver, “is the beginning of devotion.”
Small Ways to Slow Down and Live Sustainably This Week
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Take five minutes to step outside without your phone and observe the world around you.
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Visit a local park, forest, or nature preserve and identify the migratory birds that arrive to overwinter in your region.
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Take a trip with friends to your local refill store and ask a few questions about products you haven’t heard of before.
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Brew your morning coffee or tea in a reusable mug and enjoy it slowly, rather than rushing out the door.
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Borrow a poetry collection like Devotions from your local library instead of buying a new copy.
When you feel overwhelmed, remember: slowing down is an act of devotion to sustainability, for yourself and for the planet.
