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"Everything is gestation and then bringing forth."

Rainer Maria Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke Poet
Translations
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Quote meaning
Life is a process. You don't plant a seed today and expect a tree tomorrow. That's basically what the quote is getting at. Before anything great or worthwhile happens, there's a period of growth, preparation, and sometimes waiting. It's like baking a cake – you wouldn’t mix the ingredients and expect it to be ready instantly. It’s all about the time it takes to develop, to gestate, before you can see the results.

Historically speaking, this idea has been around forever. It’s not like the person who said this quote just stumbled upon a new idea. It’s been understood in various cultures and philosophies that patience and time are crucial for any significant outcome. Think back to ancient civilizations – they had their own ways of understanding that things need time to develop, whether it was crops in the field, ideas in the mind, or relationships between people.

Take, for instance, the development of the iPhone. Steve Jobs and his team didn't just wake up one day with a fully-formed iPhone in their hands. The concept started small, with lots of trial and error. They spent years developing the technology, testing prototypes, and refining the design. The initial idea had to gestate, grow, and evolve before it could be brought forth into the world as the revolutionary device we know today. It’s a perfect real-life example of how significant change and innovation require time and nurturing.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Don’t rush. If you’ve got an idea, a plan, or a dream, give it the time it needs to develop. Nurture it. Work on it consistently, but don’t expect immediate results. If you're writing a book, for example, just get those words down on paper first. They might not be perfect—and they probably won’t be—but that’s okay. Editing and refining come later. The initial effort is all about letting the idea grow.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Imagine you’re training for a marathon. You don’t start by running the full 26.2 miles on day one. You begin with shorter distances, building up your stamina and strength over time. You have to let your body adjust, grow stronger, and adapt to the increasing challenges. If you try to skip this period of growth, you’ll likely end up injured or burned out. The same principle applies to almost anything worth achieving in life.

When you're sitting around with friends at a coffee shop, talking about your latest project or dream, remember that it's okay if it’s not ready yet. Share your ideas, get feedback, but don’t stress if it’s not all happening immediately. Like all things, let it gestate. It’s part of the process. And when the time is right, all that growth and preparation will pay off, and you'll bring forth something truly great.
Related tags
Becoming Birth Creation Development Evolution Growth Nurturing Patience Process Transformation
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