🦗The grasshopper in the grass - By Jonathan Broekman

What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? By Mary Oliver

I recently watched Nyad, a compelling story of a woman who became the first person confirmed to swim from Cuba to Florida in 2013 without the aid of a shark cage. Her determination and grit in never letting failure stop her are inspiring!  The story flashes back to a traumatic childhood trauma experience that haunts her, but she uses the trauma to push herself to overcome her fears and accomplish her greatest dream. 
 

Are we just scratching the surface of life? 

We have all experienced varying amounts of trauma in our lives, some more devastating than others. I have been watching from the sideline as my daughter Belle tackles her medical internship at George Hospital. She is often assisting in leg amputations and life-threatening surgeries. It makes me think about how fragile life is and how quickly life can throw you lemons. 🍋

But how do we overcome our trauma? Is it a choice to sink or swim? 

The Poem The Summer Day by Mary Oliver highlighted in the film questions about who made the world, who made all the beautiful wonders: the swan, the black bear, the grasshopper, and do we know exactly what prayer is? 

Read the whole poem here: https://shrturl.app/j439vv

For me, this poem reminds us to look at the small incredible wonders of life, like a small child excited and mesmerised by the grasshopper, and to stroll in the field. One day we are all going to die. We are breathing and living now, life is a gift, and all the bumps and knocks along the way can make us forget the tiny marvel of life. 

So in my later years, I show gratitude for all the gifts and lessons along the way.  It doesn't matter what religion you are or how you pray. The essence of the creator is in all living things. I hope that this has inspired you today. Don't forget to marvel over the grasshopper!

As always, my door is open; pop in for a coffee at our office in Bryanston: 5 Somerset Office Park, 5 Libertas Road, Bryanston 

Stay safe,

Jonathan Broekman