Summary

The web content is a reflective poem and accompanying commentary that uses the metaphor of folding a fitted sheet to discuss the challenges of neatly tucking away the past and the liberation found in embracing life's imperfections and learning to let go.

Abstract

The article titled "Recognition" under the section "INSIGHT FROM REAL LIFE" presents a poetic exploration of the human struggle to neatly organize and compartmentalize past experiences. The author, Jeni Bsharah Baines, likens the futile attempt to perfectly fold a fitted sheet to the effort of trying to control and contain one's history. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem suggests that the past, with its blend of missteps, stains, and regrets, is an untamable spirit that resists being neatly put away. Instead, the poem proposes a shift in perspective, encouraging the acceptance of life's imperfections, symbolized by the "wabi sabi universe" of the sheet's fabric. The text concludes with an acknowledgment of the wisdom gained from life's experiences and the relief that comes with letting go, which allows one's scars to ache less and fosters a deeper sense of caring. The poem is a call to recognize and reverence the beauty in imperfection, leading to inner peace and happiness.

Opinions

The author implies that trying to neatly store away the past is as challenging as folding a fitted sheet, suggesting it's an unnatural and perhaps unnecessary endeavor.
There is a sense of frustration and eventual resignation in the attempts to control the past, as indicated by the wrathful, resentful, and resigned bullying of the sheet into a cupboard.
The poem conveys a transformative insight that true enlightenment comes from recognition rather than change, citing "A Course in Miracles."
The past is depicted as a vibrant, free spirit that should be released rather than confined, with its imperfections contributing to its unique beauty.
The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past, rather than hiding it, to achieve personal growth and healing.
The metaphor of the fitted sheet extends to the idea that each strand of our past experiences reverberates with the wisdom of a "wabi sabi universe," highlighting the acceptance of transience and imperfection.
The poem reflects on the relief and reduced pain that comes from embracing one's scars and caring less about the imperfections, leading to a more profound level of caring.
The author expresses gratitude to Liberty Forrest for providing a space for hope, healing, and humor, and invites readers to engage further with her work through subscriptions and participation.

INSIGHT FROM REAL LIFE

Recognition

Sure, tuck away the past — but let go of the urge to fold its fitted corners prettily

Photo by Trude Jonsson Stangel on Unsplash

“I feel like a random crumple is how it would live in the wild” catfink1664 on Reddit

“Enlightenment is but a recognition, not a change at all.” A Course in Miracles

The attempt to tuck away the past oh-so-prettily perfectly neatly in a shelf is like trying to fold a fitted sheet

We can watch YouTube tutorials

We can scan skyscraper high columns of print

We can give it our 305,211 best shots

before we throw in the towel and bully it wrathfully resentfully resignedly into a cupboard –

taking care to close the closet door, stuffing a pillow case or two beneath the threshold to block any innuendo of light

Out of sight, out of mind Thugs burying a body in cement

Or perhaps, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps we can release this exquisitely free spirit –

this untamable blend of cotton with a high thread count of missteps, stains, and regrets trimmed with satin joy, with eyelets of enlightenment –

and ruffle its pelt

Noting at last how each strand arises, reverberating a wabi sabi universe of song

Incalculable refrains of wisdom hard-earned, recognized, reverenced Above all, like the stars, followed with — ah, such relief Our scars aching less Caring less, and more

A second poem inspired while folding freshly laundered sheets. What’s up with that?

Thank you, Liberty Forrest, Author, for the home at Hope, Healing, and Humour. As this poem emerged, I could see that it might well fit Liberty’s prompt:

Mastering the Art of “Letting Go”

The fastest route to inner peace and happiness

medium.com

As always, thank you, dearest readers. Love.

Jeni

please click here if inclined to ponder, play, dream, and sing with me.

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