Carpe Diem does not translate to SEIZE the Day
The word Carpe does not mean snatch or grab or wrestle to the ground and hold on tight.
The accurate translation of Carpe is much more relaxed, taking your time, savoring being in possession of the day.
The simplest translation of Carpe is to PLUCK the Day.
Ask in the way you might pluck a cluster of firm, smooth, shiny dark purple grapes from the vine on a warm summer day and pop a few in your mouth. The word has agricultural overtones.
The Inner Game of Pluck Vs. Seize
It seems to me that plucking and seizing have more to do with the state of mind of the person doing the plucking and seizing. The energy you bring to the action is based on your own inner reality.
If you are overstressed, strapped for time, working from a scarcity mindset, maybe even burned out ... the natural way you would approach anything that becomes available ... is to seize it.
Grab hold, hang on tight, suck all the juice out of it in the little time you have available ... then back into the whirlwind.
I my wish for you today is this:
May you be blessed with enough rest and good food, enough time and space and gratitude to simply pluck today and all it has to offer.
Connect with your family and taste your food.
Smell the fall leaves, feel the rain and sun.
And let anything that does not need to be here right now go with a big relaxing breath.
May You Pluck and Savor this Day and All it Has To Offer.
CARPE DIEM
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
This post inspired by this article from JSTOR Daily
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What will you pluck from this day?