no wind, no waves
The poem relates to process thought by illustrating its core belief that reality is a dynamic process of becoming, not a static state of being. The imagery of "letting go" is a metaphor for embracing this constant change.
Key Connections
Becoming, Not Being: The phrases "no wind, no waves" and "only a silent breath" describe a moment of quiet, but this isn't a state of permanent stillness. Instead, it's a transient moment within a larger, ongoing process. The "letting go" signifies a moment of transition—a shift from one state of being to another. Process philosophy, especially as articulated by Alfred North Whitehead, argues that the universe is made up of a succession of momentary, interconnected "actual occasions" or events, each perishing to make way for the next. The poem captures this moment-to-moment reality.
Internal Relations and Creativity: In process philosophy, every event is a "prehension," or a grasping of past events to create a new one. The "letting go" in the poem can be seen as the moment an "actual occasion" completes its process of becoming, relinquishing its hold on the past to allow for the future. It's a surrender to the creative advance of the universe. This is a contrast to the idea of a fixed substance that endures through time; instead, the poem suggests that our very identity is a continuous series of creative events, each building on the last but also requiring a moment of release.
Mindfulness and Embracing Change: The poem's contemplative tone mirrors the practice of mindfulness, which, like process thought, focuses on the present moment and the impermanence of all things. The "silent breath" is an anchor to the immediate present, while the "letting go" is an acceptance that all things—thoughts, emotions, and experiences—are temporary and in a constant state of flux. This resonates deeply with the process philosophical view that a healthy and flourishing life involves embracing change rather than resisting it.
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