3.29.2010

Bridges

this is one of my favorite bridges to cross while biking on a local bike trail.  i decided to google some quotes about bridges to go along with the pictures. it was interesting to see the different themes associated with the seemingly simple image of a bridge:



“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.
 Isaac Newton


one can use a bridge to get from one place to another - be it physically, mentally, or spiritually.  a bridge can be used to unite 2 opposite sides - for example death can be a bridge bringing together estranged friends - and love can be the bridge that ends hate.



He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself;
 for every man has need to be forgiven.
George Herbert


the idea of crossing a bridge and celebrating the transition from one place to another came up quite a few times....yet there were 2 main ideas about what to do with the bridge when crossed - leave it intact or burn it.  i had a hard time seeing the benefit of burning a bridge.  it seems disrespectful to the person or place you are leaving behind.  i don't doubt that there are people and places that warrant a complete elimination from your life - situations that you never want to experience again or people that you would be happy to have to never see again - yet the thought of burning the bridge after you leave that place seems to me that you haven't healed and still hold anger inside.  i prefer the celebration to be not only one of joy to leave a situation/person - but rather that you have left a much wiser, happier person.



I demolish my bridges behind me - then there is no choice but forward”
 Firdtjorf Nansen

“We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us,
with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke,
and a presumption that once our eyes watered.”
Tom Stoppard

“The only bad thing about burning your bridges behind you is that the world is round”
unknown

maybe the next time you cross a bridge - or are getting ready to do so - spend some time to really reflect on the journey


“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river
slipping slowly away beneath you,
you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.”
winnie the pooh

2 comments:

  1. What a wonder full idea! I never thought of picking something like that and finding quotes for it! And I agree it is very important to think of where we are going and where we have been! And hopefully not sounding redundant, I really like Pooh's quote the best. Some times there is such wisdom in so little brain!

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