Wednesday 18 May 2011

Jane Austen Quote of the Week - Week 152

I have chosen a quote from Northanger Abbey.


"Catherine would make a sad, heedless young house-keeper to be sure," was her mother's foreboding remark; but quick was the consolation of there being nothing like practice."


This stood out for me personally this week - over the last month I have attended a few meditation classes as it is a skill that has always seemed impossible for me, I just cannot rest my busy mind. I know it would benefit me and enrich my life but I find it so hard to focus and this agitates me. I went again last night and I saw it in a different way, there is no pressure, I will find it easier with time and practice - there really is nothing like practice.

Pic: Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey

9 comments:

Linda Fern said...

Ah, yes, we have a saying that "practice makes perfect". I find that to be very true. I have never tried 'meditation' though. Maybe I should look into that. Thanks, Rachel.

Yrs aff'ly,
Linda the Librarian

Icha said...

Indeed, practice makes perfect. Thanks for this beautiful quote, Rachel, it is very meaningful.

I'd like to apologise for not receiving Rachel's email earlier (she was not able to post the quote over the weekend), hence the belated post was partly my fault as well.

Coming back to meditation, I find it better when we don't hope or expect a peace of mind. Just try not to judge the busy chatters of our mind; that is its job, to chat a lot. Just be kind to ourselves and observe the breaths instead. By observing breath, the chatter will become less noisy.

At least, that was what I usually experience if I remember to focus on the breathing, instead of the chatting...

Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm said...

I love this quote and even used it as the title for a short story about Catherine. She's young and will learn as she goes as her mother says with "practice". :)

~Miss Laurie
Old-Fashioned Charm

Rachel said...

I think that being kind to myself is the key Icha.
Thanks Miss Laurie for your supporting comment.

mamma jakeline said...

A bit OT, but just a quick note to say that you are now aunties or what ever you'd prefer to a little baby girl named Aylinn born this morning! :)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LxSW7Pwo2xA/TdvW4W_vvcI/AAAAAAAAChY/Xo63iHGfY0w/s400/110524.jpg

hugs and kisses from a very happy Maria in Sweden!

Rachel said...

Congratulations Maria, such great news! Aylinn is a wonderful, strong name. x

Icha said...

Awww... Aylinn is so adorable...

Congratulations, Maria! You and family are definitely blessed...

And why do you look like Lizzy Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) in PP 1995 in my eyes? Lovely curls perhaps...

Linda Fern said...

My congratulations too, Maria. Aylinn is lovely! Enjoy them while they are small, because they grow up so fast.

Much love from her "other Granny",
Linda the Librarian

mamma jakeline said...

Thank you darlings! :) We are so happy! Big brother is still on the fence though... :P

Icha, well I don't know... That's one of those model for a day pics I took earlier this spring. :) http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhSXmsaJOjo/TZc6eJucPjI/AAAAAAAACb4/DfycDbPvZkI/s400/modellfoto.JPG Funny thing is, my friend thinks I look kind of Jane Austen herself in that picture. :)