on wisdom

'by three methods we may learn wisdom:

first, by reflection, which is noblest;

second, by imitation which is the easiest;

and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.'

~ confucius

i bought this beautiful message bead from diane hawkey... it has this incredible in-the-hand quality, like a worry stone - smooth and round... 

for becoming wise often requires travel down an arduous path... one must face the nuts and bolts of life - the challenges, the joys, the losses, the opportunities - hopefully resulting in growth along the way... hardware beads are from melanie at earthenwood studio... challenges presenting opportunities, doors closing so others can open... the nickel and copper links represent the harder aspects of life that are lined with beauty... 

there is also the quieter side of acquiring wisdom... 

'sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge

and lean over to watch the river 
slipping slowly away beneath you,

you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.'

~  winnie the pooh

'the invariable mark of wisdom 

is to see the miraculous in the common.'

~ ralph waldo emerson

mohair fiber in soft muted colors is wrapped around a copper bar... just above it is a copper disc that has been repeatedly stamped with the om and a lotus... from this hangs pearls - as in 'of wisdom', both taking time to develop and having high value despite coming in small or quiet packages...

'wisdom begins in wonder.'

~ socrates