When silence is a choice, it is an unnerving presence. When silence is imposed, it is censorship.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn, and to sing at dusk, was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of joy and celebration in life, suggesting that we can heal the world through simple acts of happiness.
Terry Tempest Williams' quote beautifully captures the essence of joy and the natural order of celebrating life. It draws a parallel between women and birds, suggesting that there is an innate understanding in nature that singing at different times of the day brings healing and joy. The quote reflects on how humans have lost touch with this fundamental truth, highlighting the significance of recognizing and celebrating the beauty of the world around us.
Themes
JoyCelebrationHealingNatureHappinessWomen
In practice
Example use cases
During a community gathering, this quote can be used to inspire attendees to appreciate the beauty of the world.
More from Terry Tempest Williams
All quotes →The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions: Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinion? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up, trusting our fellow citizens to join us in our determined pursuit-a living democracy?
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
I am slowly, painfully discovering that my refuge is not found in my mother, my grandmother, of even the birds of Bear River. My refuge exists in my capacity to love. If I can learn to love death then I can begin to find refuge in change.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
How do we remain faithful to our own spiritual imagination and not betray what we know in our own bodies? The world is holy. We are holy. All life is holy.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
The Eyes of the Future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
Women piece together their lives from the scraps left over for them.
Terry Tempest WilliamsRead
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