Seek Magic

First of all, let me say that I know the wisdom on my recent coffee cup purchase is going to kill the grammarians out there. And that I plan on getting out a fancy marker and adding an insert symbol between seek and magic, so it reads, seek everyday magic. I really do know the difference in usage – every day and everyday. But sometimes one must throw grammar to the wind and seize the coffee cup. 

Of late, I’ve found it difficult to see everyday magic every day, let me say. 

So I’m reminding myself of the fact that those things we make and write will store magic. 

“True poetic practice implies a mind so miraculously attuned and illuminated that it can form words, by a chain of more-than-coincidences, into a living entity—a poem that goes about on its own (for centuries after the author’s death, perhaps) affecting readers with its stored magic.” 

– Robert Graves

I’m also remembering the words by Marina Tsvetaeva:

“There are magical words, magical apart from their meanings, physically magical, with a magic inherent in the sound itself, words that before they deliver a message already have a meaning, words that are signs and meanings unto themselves, that do not require comprehension, but only hearing, words of the animal’s, the child’s dream language. It is possible that each person in his own life has his own magic words.” 

And further to thoughts on magic:

“You know quite well, deep within you, that there is only a single magic, a single power, a single salvation...and that is called loving. Well, then, love your suffering. Do not resist it, do not flee from it. It is your aversion that hurts, nothing else.” 

– Hermann Hesse

And this:

“It's all a matter of paying attention, being awake in the present moment, and not expecting a huge payoff. The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.” 

– Charles de Lint

And lastly: 

“We talk too much using big words about love for people. Sometimes just a bit of attention would be enough, noticing your neighbour with respect. Attention – a favourite term of Simone Weil. It includes an element of will and reason. The term is free of the sentimentality and insincerity that the word “love” pulls behind itself.” 

– Anna Kamienska

Does that help? I think it does me, a little. 

I’m going to whisper for a while. I’m going to attend, with respect. I’m going to store up those bits and bobs of magic that I’m able. 

I’m going to learn to disappear.....and maybe even reappear.