"من يتعلق بالفرح يدمر الحياة الطائرة ولكن من يقبل الفرح وهو يطير يعيش في شروق شمس الأبدية"
Quote meaning
This quote is basically a poetic way of saying that trying to hold on tightly to happy moments can actually ruin the experience, whereas appreciating them as they come allows you to live a fuller, richer life. It’s a reminder to embrace the fleeting nature of joy and appreciate it without trying to possess it.
Historically, this idea has roots in many philosophical and spiritual traditions. William Blake, who wrote this, was a mystical poet and artist in the late 18th to early 19th century. He believed strongly in the power of the imagination and the importance of experiencing the world fully and openly. He was part of the Romantic movement, which emphasized intense emotion and individualism, and his work often touched on themes of freedom, beauty, and the transient nature of life.
Now, let's dive into a real-life example to make it crystal clear. Imagine you’re at a concert of your favorite band. The music is incredible, the energy of the crowd is palpable, and you feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. If you spend the whole time trying to record the perfect video or taking the perfect selfie, you might miss actually enjoying the concert. You’re so focused on capturing the moment that you’re not truly living it. But if you just let yourself be present, dance, sing along, and feel the music, you’ll have a much richer experience and a memory that stays with you longer than any video ever could.
So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by practicing mindfulness. It sounds cliché, but being present is a skill you can develop. When you’re happy, take a moment to just breathe and appreciate it. Don’t immediately try to post about it on social media or worry about how to make it last forever. Just enjoy it. This can be as simple as savoring a delicious meal without distractions or spending quality time with a friend without constantly checking your phone.
Here’s a relatable story to bring it home: Think about a time when you’ve been on vacation. Maybe you’re sitting on a beautiful beach, the sun is setting, and you feel at peace. If you spend that time worrying about how you’ll feel when the vacation ends, you’re ruining the moment. But if you take a deep breath, feel the sand between your toes, listen to the waves, and watch the colors of the sunset, you’re truly living that moment. You’re “kissing the joy as it flies,” and those memories will be more vibrant and lasting because you were fully present.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the desire to document everything or to cling to the good times. But by learning to enjoy the moment and let it go, you’re not just making those moments more precious—you’re enriching your whole life. So next time you find yourself in a moment of joy, remember Blake’s words. Don’t try to bind it to you. Just kiss it as it flies.
Historically, this idea has roots in many philosophical and spiritual traditions. William Blake, who wrote this, was a mystical poet and artist in the late 18th to early 19th century. He believed strongly in the power of the imagination and the importance of experiencing the world fully and openly. He was part of the Romantic movement, which emphasized intense emotion and individualism, and his work often touched on themes of freedom, beauty, and the transient nature of life.
Now, let's dive into a real-life example to make it crystal clear. Imagine you’re at a concert of your favorite band. The music is incredible, the energy of the crowd is palpable, and you feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. If you spend the whole time trying to record the perfect video or taking the perfect selfie, you might miss actually enjoying the concert. You’re so focused on capturing the moment that you’re not truly living it. But if you just let yourself be present, dance, sing along, and feel the music, you’ll have a much richer experience and a memory that stays with you longer than any video ever could.
So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by practicing mindfulness. It sounds cliché, but being present is a skill you can develop. When you’re happy, take a moment to just breathe and appreciate it. Don’t immediately try to post about it on social media or worry about how to make it last forever. Just enjoy it. This can be as simple as savoring a delicious meal without distractions or spending quality time with a friend without constantly checking your phone.
Here’s a relatable story to bring it home: Think about a time when you’ve been on vacation. Maybe you’re sitting on a beautiful beach, the sun is setting, and you feel at peace. If you spend that time worrying about how you’ll feel when the vacation ends, you’re ruining the moment. But if you take a deep breath, feel the sand between your toes, listen to the waves, and watch the colors of the sunset, you’re truly living that moment. You’re “kissing the joy as it flies,” and those memories will be more vibrant and lasting because you were fully present.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the desire to document everything or to cling to the good times. But by learning to enjoy the moment and let it go, you’re not just making those moments more precious—you’re enriching your whole life. So next time you find yourself in a moment of joy, remember Blake’s words. Don’t try to bind it to you. Just kiss it as it flies.
MORE QUOTES BY William Blake
FEATURED QUOTES