“Pass through this brief patch of time in harmony with nature, and come to your final resting place gracefully, just as a ripened olive might drop, praising the earth that nourished it and grateful to the tree that gave it growth.”
MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 4.48.2
Most of the quotes attributed to Marcus Aurelius in The Daily Stoic are very firm and pointed. They usually take on the tone of someone instructing us what to do, or even mildly scolding us. However, today’s quote above seems much ‘softer’, almost romantic. The tone reminds me of Kahlil Gibran, one of my favorite poets who I’ve referenced elsewhere on this site.
It’s beautiful imagery, the idea of quietly being “in harmony with nature” and calmly being thankful for being a part of the world. It reminds us to not always be guarding against the evils of the world, but sometimes to simply seek out its beauty in the small ways in which it reveals itself to us.
We must remember to take joy in these small moments; to notice and fully experience each mini-event in our life as it occurs. This gives us rare perspective, and opens the door to gratitude and contentment. This is a skill that not everyone has — yet another reason to be thankful that we do have the ability to seek and find the beauty of nature, and of life.
