Orwell's Roses
Peace, creativity and connection
Audio narration by David Marlow
“You might prepare for your central mission in life by doing
other things that may seem entirely unrelated.”
Rebecca Solnit1
Nearing the end of his life, George Orwell concentrated on writing his magnum opus 1984.
When he wasn’t writing, he devoted much time, energy, imagination, and resources to creating a garden where he was staying on a remote Scottish island.
How important was tending to a garden while creating a novel with such a darkly profound message, one that speaks to us even today?
Orwell wrote in his journal, that he wanted to stay connected to life and creativity, even as he explored the dark themes of 1984.
The garden was one way to do that.
A lesson
There is constant pressure to optimize and make efficient all that we do.
Overlooked is the value of moments of creativity and genuine connection.
Even in the midst of these hectic days of business to be done, there are opportunities for moments of creativity and connection.
Opportunities to savor the moments we have even to the last.
Reflection:
🌀 What is your garden amid the busyness or business of life?
🌀 How do Orwell’s ‘work’ and gardening parallel the Ikigai Journey?
🌀 Are there specific themes or emotions in your current project that might benefit from being explored through creative means outside of writing or work?
🌀 What is one small thing you could do to create a harmonious balance between delving into your work and seeking moments of joy, connection, and creativity?
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Love it David as a type of cross-training for the mind, heart and soul. Having coached teenagers in the past it was always good to see children that did multiple sports. There were lessons that were transferable that helped the particular sport someone was doing by seeing and transitioning mind-sets and aptitude....also different friendships! I do have a garden and I am known for my homemade pesto I make each year. It brings so much happiness and joy to people. This past weekend I had a couple over that wanted to learn and all I asked for them to do was bring over cleaned basil leaves and I would provide all the rest even the jars and they would see me make mine and then they would make their batch the way they liked it. It went well as in the past with others and thinking that doing activities that bring people and us joy is a very good thing and of course with nature even better!