Garments
Finding ease in structure. (Sunday Letter)
I’ve been thinking about garments lately.
I recently, I traveled to a professional function and felt out of step with the clothes I’d brought. I didn’t have much choice. I brought what I brought. We were together for a few days. I had to accept it.
No one pointed at me or thought less of me. What I was wearing didn’t matter.
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Some hold that Saint Francis said, ‘Wear the world like a loose garment.“ What does this mean?
Do not be overly troubled by what occurs.
When faced with surprise or disappointment, I can embrace it, allowing myself to move with what comes my way. A tight garment can restrict movement. A loose garment allows me to move freely and with ease.
If I need to run, I can run. If I need to rest, I can rest. If it is time to dance, I can dance.
Wearing the world like a loose garment: By accepting what comes, I give myself room to move and breathe.
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While a loose garment allows for freedom, it has form and purpose. It is not no garment. Trousers are trousers. A shirt is a shirt. A loose garment does not shed all structure but allows ease within a framework.
A loose garment lets me respond to the needs of the moment. . Athletic gear allows for movement. A robe offers comfort. Each garment, though loose, is suited to its moment.
– from the mountain
Consider:
What garments am I choosing to wear today?
Reading:
“Freedom lies in being bold.” — Robert Frost
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“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” — Deepak Chopra
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28”
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