Mary Oliver Poem #6 "Mindful"

 Mary Oliver Poem #6: “Mindful” pg 173-174

Mary Oliver's poem "Mindful" is a celebration of the profound beauty found in the ordinary moments of life. With a keen sense of observation, Oliver invites readers to embrace the simple joys that surround us daily. The poem encourages a mindful engagement with the world, urging us to open our senses to the everyday wonders that often go unnoticed. Oliver reminds readers that something, within everyday, can be seen as remarkable. This reminds me of our class discussion last week about finding unusual beauty in nature. It might be something we pass often without thought, however, with a moment of mindfulness, we may see it from a different perspective.

The opening lines, "Every day I see or I hear something that more or less kills me with delight," set the tone for a reflection on the transformative power of ordinary experiences. Oliver suggests that these moments of delight act as a catalyst, leaving her feeling like a "needle in the haystack of light.". It captures the fleeting yet profound nature of those moments that resonate deeply.

The poet expresses a sense of purpose in these observations, stating, "It is what I was born for — to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world." The act of looking, listening, and losing oneself in the soft world becomes a form of self-instruction, a way of learning about joy and acclamation. In a world often filled with challenges and hardships, the poem suggests that finding joy in the ordinary is a valuable form of wisdom.

Oliver emphasizes that this joy is not reserved for the extraordinary or extravagant moments but is present in the "ordinary, the common, the very drab, the daily presentations." The poet's use of these descriptors challenges readers to reevaluate their perception of the mundane. In doing so, she invites us to recognize the inherent beauty in the routines and commonplace occurrences that make up our lives.

In conclusion, Mary Oliver's "Mindful" is a reminder to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and find joy in the daily tapestry of life. It encourages us to be mindful, to open our hearts to the world around us, and to seek wisdom in the simplicity of our experiences. I really appreciated Oliver’s perspective of nature and the world in this poem as I am a big proponent of mindfulness and the importance of slowing down. I’ve read books such as “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” and I’ve studied the benefits of mindfulness whether that be deep breathing, utilizing grounding, or spending time in solitude; regardless of how you do it, spending time picking up on the smaller parts of your daily life is important as it practices gratitude and makes you more aware of the intricacies of life. 


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