Exploring new ways of seeing, new ways of being with an open heart and an open mind
Friday, April 30, 2010
You Can Go Home Again
It seems unfortunate that the phrase, "You can't go home again," has become so firmly embedded in our collective consciousness. When Thomas Wolfe wrote his novel of the same name, he said at the end, "You can't go back home to your family, back home to your childhood...back home to places in the country, back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting but which are changing all the time - back home to the escapes of Time and Memory." Yes, the old forms and systems of things are always changing and escaping into time and memory is never a good idea. But, we are also changing and I believe we can always approach our past with fresh eyes, with a new perspective and out of that can emerge an entirely new body of experience that speaks to our new selves. It's not about returning to the past. It's not about getting stuck in the past. It's about moving forward into familiar places with a willingness to see things differently, recognize those places where a new attitude and a new outlook could bring healing and even regeneration. And sometimes, it's just nice to be home, to return to a place that feels right. We cannot buy into ideas that someone else puts forth and let it become our truth. We have a right if not a responsibility to test those notions before we accept them.
Returning to Minnesota feels right. I'm finding that what once seemed like a stultifying atmosphere has expanded. I have grown and thus I see growth all around me. In this little town of around 800 people, there's now a hatha yoga studio on the main street of downtown and a farmers market during the summer. As I open my eyes I'll see more and more. This old world is expanding from a boundless basis and a limitless horizon right here in the middle of Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. It's a place of growth with a full range of all that nature has to offer. I look forward to seeing what my old but ever new home has in store for me.
That's me on the right, in the striped dress, with Jane, and our brother, Jerry. My kitten handling skills have vastly improved.
Welcome back, Teresa. This is such a delightful time of year when the green colors are all fresh and new. The air still resonates with the spring songs of mating birds and the sunshine doesn't hurt. The mosquitoes are still in the future and the frogs still sing in the ponds. Minnesota is a lovely place to be!
How wonderful for you. I have never strayed far from home. There are times I wish I had...just for the adventure of it. When I go into the old neighborhood....everything looks so tiny. The hills we thought were so big and how far we thought it was to the beach....through the eyes of a child.
I love going back and remembering, but I am forever living in the now...it feels right for me.
What a great way to view the past. You're right - we can embrace the changes and grow even more. Love this post! And what a cute picture with your siblings and kitties. :)
It's good that you are happy to be back. Let us know what you discover or re-discover. Keep us informed, please. Mn is a good place to be, especially in the 3 seasons that excludes winter! Sometimes you just need a change. I've had a difficult re-entry but it helps to know that I'll be going back to SF for two weeks in July/August! I'll be housesitting for a friend, and I couldn't be more delighted that I'll be there for Spanish Market!!
There's something about Minnesota that is so safe, and solid, and nurturing. It's grounding. I'm glad you made it home safe and sound and I look forward to summer in MN through your eyes and words. Love you Teresa!
Good interpretation of a complex process. I'm noticing more philosophy (a good thing, to me) in your posts. Are you going to have an acre or two or more? I see the deer picture and the farm building. Nearby your home? What sweet picture of you and your siblings. I left a small town--12,000 pop.--and every time I go back I am glad I left. I love Texas, but our small towns are pretty bad. Closer you get to Austin or San Saba, the better they are. I should not make such a general statement, but there it is. Please tell us more about the MN that is around you.
Jack, the deer and the farm were both "neighbors" at the place I was living last summer, here in MN., just south of Duluth. The doe visited every day and at one time there were six deer grazing in the yard. I'm now two hours west of there, but still plenty of deer and old farms. I'm hoping for at least five acres...we shall see. Thanks for your response to my more philosophical approach. It seems to be what life is calling for right now.
Teresa -- just found this old post of yours and found it relevant to my life. I have been away from my home state for many years and feel a need to return if only for a visit. For some undefined reason your post brought clarity to my thinking -- thanks -- barbara
Welcome back, Teresa. This is such a delightful time of year when the green colors are all fresh and new. The air still resonates with the spring songs of mating birds and the sunshine doesn't hurt. The mosquitoes are still in the future and the frogs still sing in the ponds. Minnesota is a lovely place to be!
ReplyDeleteyeah i miss thes Time , the green colors all fresh and new like your picture on this entry
ReplyDeletethank for share ,,nice blogging ,
How wonderful for you. I have never strayed far from home. There are times I wish I had...just for the adventure of it. When I go into the old neighborhood....everything looks so tiny. The hills we thought were so big and how far we thought it was to the beach....through the eyes of a child.
ReplyDeleteI love going back and remembering, but I am forever living in the now...it feels right for me.
Ms. Sparrow, Yes, Minnesota is a lovely place to be.
ReplyDeleteKathy, Living in the Now is essential, but I'm glad to be doing so from what feels like Home.
What a great way to view the past. You're right - we can embrace the changes and grow even more. Love this post! And what a cute picture with your siblings and kitties. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, welcome home, Teresa. Hatha Yoga? Lucky you! That's one small town with a big town attitude! Go sign up. :-)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Teresa. I think Cheryl's right, you're in a small town with a big town attitude. Thomas Wolfe was right, but not all the time. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you are happy to be back. Let us know what you discover or re-discover. Keep us informed, please. Mn is a good place to be, especially in the 3 seasons that excludes winter! Sometimes you just need a change. I've had a difficult re-entry but it helps to know that I'll be going back to SF for two weeks in July/August! I'll be housesitting for a friend, and I couldn't be more delighted that I'll be there for Spanish Market!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading your thoughts here. I agree with everything you said.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat, introspective journey you're on! Can't wait to hear more about your experience!
Thank you All for your loving support and kind words. I feel your presence in my life and it feels really nice. Teresa
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! You can see wonder anywhere, I've observed. Always a pleasure to read your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThere's something about Minnesota that is so safe, and solid, and nurturing. It's grounding. I'm glad you made it home safe and sound and I look forward to summer in MN through your eyes and words. Love you Teresa!
ReplyDeleteKristy: Grounding. Exactly. :) Love you.
ReplyDeleteGood interpretation of a complex process. I'm noticing more philosophy (a good thing, to me) in your posts. Are you going to have an acre or two or more? I see the deer picture and the farm building. Nearby your home? What sweet picture of you and your siblings. I left a small town--12,000 pop.--and every time I go back I am glad I left. I love Texas, but our small towns are pretty bad. Closer you get to Austin or San Saba, the better they are. I should not make such a general statement, but there it is. Please tell us more about the MN that is around you.
ReplyDeleteJack, the deer and the farm were both "neighbors" at the place I was living last summer, here in MN., just south of Duluth. The doe visited every day and at one time there were six deer grazing in the yard. I'm now two hours west of there, but still plenty of deer and old farms. I'm hoping for at least five acres...we shall see. Thanks for your response to my more philosophical approach. It seems to be what life is calling for right now.
ReplyDeleteTeresa -- just found this old post of yours and found it relevant to my life. I have been away from my home state for many years and feel a need to return if only for a visit. For some undefined reason your post brought clarity to my thinking -- thanks -- barbara
ReplyDelete