How To Live (not merely exist . . . )

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common — this is my symphony.” – William Henry Channing

Short of similar sentiments from Emerson and Thoreau, this is one of my favorite thoughts on how to live (and not merely exist).

I found it here (#6).

Similar Posts

  • Admire, and Create

    Admire Jesus’ compassion or the Buddha’s wisdom all you want, but what good can their qualities do you until you find them in yourself? – Byron Katie What’s so powerful about this quote is that it insists that you already have these good, admirable qualities within you. You may not be demonstrating those qualities to…

  • Let Your Soul Grow

    To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it. – Kurt Vonnegut Whatever you do is your art, if you let it be. Do everything with an artful intention and touch. Take care and act with awareness and love. Let everything you do…

  • The Three Things

    In terms of dreams/goals/desires there are only three variations: 1) Things You Want 2) Things You Don’t (Really) Want 3) Things You Think You Can’t Have *  *  * Just stating that’s there’s a mere trinity of “things-we-want” is likely to rub some the wrong way. But it’s true. Let’s take #1: Things You Want….