Breathe Quote by Terry Tempest Williams
“A friend of mine said to me not long ago, "Terry you are married to sorrow." I looked at him and said, "No, I am not married to sorrow, I just choose not to look away." To not avert our eyes to suffering is to trust the power of presence. Joy emerges through suffering. Suffering is a component of joy. Whether we are sitting with a loved one dying or witnessing dolphins side-by-side watching the oil burning in the Gulf of Mexico, to be present with the world is to be alive. I think of Rilke once again, "Beauty is the beginning of terror." We can breathe our way toward courage.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Presence and Suffering”, 2020
Facing sorrow directly transforms pain into joy; presence is courageous and life‑affirming.
In simple terms: Face sorrow, find joy.
Key Takeaway
Be present, even in pain.
Themes
suffering
presence
joy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- environmental activism
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does presence change suffering?
- What practices help stay present?
A Different Perspective
Facing pain can be overwhelming.
