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Nathan Slake's avatar

Serenity is how I feel reading your work, Silvio. Sometimes I am away from books/writing and I feel something is missing, my mind polluted by a sense of trying to get somewhere and racing forwards. Then, like with meditation, I stop and read and find the peace and serenity and awareness I was lacking. Reading your posts is always like this, without fail.

This one was especially beautiful and moving and personal.

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Thank you so much, really. It gives me solace to think that my writing can do that for even one person (and not just *any* person). While reading this latest beautiful comment from you, I thought that one day I should collect them all in a leather bound book with a golden spine and a burgundy cover. Seriously, Nathan, these are always such pearls to receive and read! :)

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Hehe, I have had similar thoughts about certain comments I've received in the past too (including from yourself). It is a really lovely thing to have this record of feedback and thoughts attached to each post.

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Indeed! Well said, my friend. :)

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Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

I've come to think of serenity as something we can cultivate, very imperfectly (through meditation, for me) - like a plant maybe, bearing in mind that it's a living thing that is prone to all sorts of misfortunes and sunny days both.

What would E think if they received this letter, I wonder?

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Meditation is a big thing for me too, although it used to be bigger. And yes, I agree: we can cultivate serenity. I think, however, that its value is often either misunderstood or vastly underestimated until we feel its absence. I like the idea that it can be cultivated like a plant -- cared for.

E would be the only one, or one of the very few, to understand my situation (or the situation of the writer). She would reach out after maybe three decades of absence and solitude.

Thank you so much, Troy, for this beautiful comment.

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Boustan Hirji's avatar

Serenity is the horizon where sky and earth meet. You have described the 'meeting ' perfectly.

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Your words are always precious, Boustan. Thank you!

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

This resonates and give 2025 another new depth, and height!

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Indeed! Thank you, Jill!

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Maria Tiffany's avatar

Wonderful story! I only understood that concept after I had a near death experience. It has been my greatest teacher.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Yes, and that experience is STILL teaching me!

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

I'm sure it will be forever, Jill.

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Thank you, Maria, for reading, appreciating, and sharing.

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Ann Collins's avatar

“Without problems, serenity doesn’t exist because you don’t understand its meaning, let alone its value.”

This is so true, Silvio. Just like the Japanese idea of “mono no aware”… the beauty of impermanence makes life more precious.

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Yes, exactly! Thank you so much, Ann, for sharing this.

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Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Oh I would love serenity, too!

Hope your year is starting well, Silvio :)

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

It’s the rarest and most valuable state of mind. I hope you experience it in abundance in the new year, Kate! :)

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CansaFis Foote's avatar

…peace and alohahaha brother…

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

To you too, my friend.

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Rose Campbell's avatar

Serenity is a worthy goal for the New Year; hope you (and we all) find it!

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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

It is the goal. Thank you, Rose.

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