“The greatest miracle is that the daily miracles can become so ordinary.” Goethe
“The greatest miracle is that the daily miracles can become so ordinary” is a saying attributed to poet and universal talent Goethe.
Every plant, every animal, every human being contains a universe – and even every drop of water does. A simple stone at the side of the road is made up of atoms, which in turn resemble the sun and the planets. In our daily lives, though, we become easily absorbed in our activities, thoughts and plans. How often, when we look at our world, do we really see?
Take a rose: is it not a miracle? It grows out of a small seed and develops in harmony with the seasons. As it grows, it takes in light, water, carbon dioxide, and produces oxygen in return, it stretches towards the light, fulfils life’s ways to express itself through it. Its blossoms develop amazing colours and radiate beauty. And - looking beyond the individual rose - is not the whole universe in harmony and a complete miracle? One thing relating to the other, clouds, atmosphere, earth and air and on and on…
Faith and wisdom traditions teach us to remember life’s daily miracles and cultivate awareness and gratitude for them. When we become absorbed in our personal day-to-day affairs, our plans, to-do’s or worries, religious traditions remind us that life is so much bigger than that. Life’s wonder is everywhere. It is up to us to embrace it consciously.
We are never further away from freedom than a single step. At any instant we can slow down and become aware of the present moment. Some traditions remind us to direct our attention to our breath or our bodily sensations; they are always in the “Here and Now”. Other traditions ask as to abandon ourselves to the service of the whole, or the Divine, in whatever form we cherish. This allows us to look beyond our own limits. We are enabled, liberated to relate to the wonder of life itself.
When we look at the world with presence, we are filled with awe, and our soul embraces life.
Movement without a Name (MWN / BZN) CC and URI Europe wish to contribute to a better world in a substantial manner. We want to set an example and have therefore introduced the URI Europe proverbs. They are meant to inspire and spark conversation. You can subscribe to the URI Europe monthly proverbs for free. Click here to find out more.
