O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Sit in reverie and watch the changing color of the waves that break upon the idle seashore of the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote invites contemplation and mindfulness, suggesting we observe the thoughts and emotions that arise like waves on a shore.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's quote emphasizes the importance of introspection and the fluid nature of our thoughts. By visualizing the mind as a seashore where waves continuously break, it encourages us to take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the transient nature of our mental experiences and emotions, allowing us to gain insight and clarity amidst life's chaos.
Themes
MindfulnessReverieThoughtsIntrospectionWaves
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation workshop, to encourage participants to observe their thoughts.
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes →There are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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