Literary Impulse & Paper Poetry ‘Eudaimonia’ Prompt Submission

The Universe Sent Flowers and Poetry

εὐδαιμονία: A Collaboration Prompt By Literary Impulse & Paper Poetry

When I first saw the Paper Poetry prompt: εὐδαιμονία, or ‘eudaimonia,’ I was too sick at the time to contemplate the deeper meaning. Then I remembered one of my favorite quotes.

“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” — Henry David Thoreau.

I might have been too sick to search for eudaimonia over the past week. But deep happiness, fulfillment, and eudaimonia have certainly found me!

Breaking Point

I’ve been sick for about a week with a stomach virus (not related to COVID), which landed me in the hospital with severe dehydration. Muscle cramps led to convulsions, ultimately spraining my neck and back.

Every day this week, I’ve reached a breaking point. Each day I simply raise the bar and form a new breaking point because…duh, I don’t want to break.

This week I was convinced the universe was an ornery old man, never satisfied with anything I do in life, always holding grudges and trying to get back at me every chance he gets. I was in severe need of healing.

Last night I read a few lines written by a dear friend about the ocean. The words were calming to my soul and a soothing balm to my wounded heart. They charted a course through the darkness, by painting a picture of the smiling sea for me. I could see my eudaimonia just beyond the horizon.

Soothing words wrote their way into my heart lighting a place that hasn’t seen sunlight in many days. I could feel the warm sun melting into the ocean, along with my troubles of the past week. I could see the moon rising over the waters into a fresh new moon. The sun rose from the horizon of those words into another day. A brighter day.

Sometimes the most important thing isn’t getting through our troubles. Sometimes what matters most are those who make us feel less alone in the process.

A New Day

I woke up ready to give the old geezer of a Universe one hell of a fight. But I guess today he didn’t want a piece of me. Wise choice, my friend. Wise choice. There’s no telling what kind of trouble we could’ve gotten into, otherwise.

Either something has changed in my favor, or the universe has slept in because today was special.

Today someone sent me flowers and chocolates, because apparently in some time zone, it’s my birthday. I didn’t realize time zones work that way — five months in advance, but I’ll take it.

I thought this must be an error. Nope. Correct name and address and a card from ‘Anonymous,’ saying, “Get well soon!” with roses and a collection of ‘Happy Birthday’ chocolates.

Anonymous?

The thing is that no one knows I’m sick; at least no one who would send me flowers and not want to be acknowledged for it.

The head physician at Ochsner Hospital ER knows I’m sick. Believe me; I made sure he knew and that he’d never forget it. I’m pretty sure he knows my name and address, as well. How else could he be certain to avoid ever seeing me again? After all, nurses make the worst patients. I can’t imagine him sending me flowers. Unless it’s bribery to never return. Perhaps?

There are some who would indulge me, although not without recognition. But ‘Anonymous’? I have never met you until this bright and sunny day. And I am pleased to make your acquaintance!

Anyway, it’s not my birthday as the chocolates so festively declare on their candy writing! And I don’t like chocolates, not truffles anyway. I tell you this, not because I’m going to return them. Nope. Not happening. But I inform you of this so you can send me something I do like on my real birthday.

Now that we have all that sorted out, I should also point out that I don’t fully trust the Universe. I’m just waiting for it to come knocking at my door, declaring this was an error and trying to snatch my birthday gifts from my greedy little hands. Good luck, Universe!

Deeper Meaning

So, what could be the deeper meaning behind this occurrence? (Because someone mistaking the wrong birthday is too easy.)

Perhaps it is the birth of a new day and of a new and brighter outlook on life. Perhaps the butterfly has come to rest upon my shoulders, and it is the rebirth of my eudaimonia.

I was toying with this concept because I knew I needed a more hopeful perspective. This past week, I’ve felt defeated, and my worth has diminished in my own eyes. I’ve seen myself through the lens of sickness, exhaustion, and frustration.

Until today.

The Universe imparted unto me another gift. An even greater gift. I read a poem by Paul Mulliner, titled “Living in Sync”.

I was mesmerized by every drop of ink on the page. The entire poem is an incredible awakening to me! There were a few lines that hit a spot in my heart that needed tenderness and healing. Here’s an excerpt of those healing lines.

And like a cosmic flower unfolding inside all of us it’s awakening to itself, revealing a universal truth in the silence of our heart, that every human life has meaning and worth.

- Paul Mulliner

Those lines were exactly what I needed, when I needed it most! It was a fresh perspective for tired eyes.

Here is a link to the full poem. I hope it brings everyone the same peace it has brought to me today.

That last line caught my eye. No pun intended. “in our eyes” It caused me to pay attention to how I see myself. It reminded me of the importance of the filters by which we view ourselves and the world around us. It also reminded me of the intrinsic value of being human.

Sometimes eudaimonia is already present in our lives. All we need is a new lens by which to view it.

My body might not be fully recovered yet, but my heart is on the mend.

Thank you for reading. I hope the Universe sends everyone flowers today and fulfills the deepest desires of your hearts. I hope everyone finds their eudaimonia.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this. I don’t sincerely think negatively of the universe or of the head physician of the hospital ER. It was simply a humorous approach to handle the difficulties I was facing.

I want to say-

Thank you to the friend who held my proverbial hand in the darkness, and transported me to a place of peace.

Thank you, Paul Mulliner, for your timeless poetic truth.

Thank you ‘Anonymous’ for your selfless gesture.

Thank you, God and Universe, for bringing light into my life and rescuing me from the darkness.

Thank you, Suntonu Bhadra and the editors of Paper Poetry and Literary Impulse, for this wonderful writing prompt.

Mia Verita, 2021