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A Thousand Mornings


Synopsis


I go down to the shore in the morning
and depending on the hour the waves
are rolling in or moving out,
and I say, oh, I am miserable,
what shall-
what should I do? And the sea says
in its lovely voice:
Excuse me, I have work to do.

Whether studying the leaves of a tree or mourning her treasured dog Percy, Mary Oliver is beautifully open to the teachings contained within the smallest of moments. In A Thousand Mornings she explores, with startling clarity, humour and kindness, the mysteries of our daily experience.

Summary

Chapter 1: The First Morning

* Introduces Harriet, a fifty-year-old woman who has just embarked on a new chapter in her life after leaving her job.
* She describes her morning routine of waking up at 5:30 AM, making coffee, and reading the paper on the porch.
* Example: "I sit on the porch with my coffee, and I watch the world wake up. The birds are singing, the sun is coming up, and the air is still cool and crisp."

Chapter 2: The Second Morning

* Harriet begins to question her purpose in life and wonders if she has made the right choices.
* She reflects on her past and the challenges she has faced, including the loss of her parents and a failed marriage.
* Example: "I wonder if I should have done things differently. Should I have stayed in my job? Should I have married someone else?"

Chapter 3: The Third Morning

* Harriet decides to start volunteering at a local soup kitchen.
* She finds fulfillment in helping others and making a difference in their lives.
* Example: "When I serve dinner to a homeless man, I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile. It makes me feel like I'm making a difference in the world."

Chapter 4: The Fourth Morning

* Harriet joins a book club and discovers a love of reading.
* She connects with other like-minded people and finds solace in the world of literature.
* Example: "I read 'The Great Gatsby' for the first time, and I fell in love with the characters. It made me feel like I was part of something bigger than myself."

Chapter 5: The Fifth Morning

* Harriet decides to take up painting, a hobby she has always enjoyed.
* She finds joy and creativity in expressing herself through art.
* Example: "I paint a portrait of my grandmother, and it turns out better than I expected. It's like she's looking back at me from the canvas."

Chapter 6: The Sixth Morning

* Harriet travels to India for a yoga retreat.
* She learns about mindfulness and meditation and finds a sense of peace and tranquility.
* Example: "I meditate for the first time, and I feel my mind become calm and still. It's like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders."

Chapter 7: The Seventh Morning

* Harriet realizes that finding purpose in life is a journey, not a destination.
* She embraces the ups and downs of life and learns to appreciate the present moment.
* Example: "I've learned that there is no one right way to live. We all have our own paths to follow. And that's okay."