The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1389: Sehnsucht by Michael Dumanis
Nov 5, 2025
Today’s reflection dives into the profound concept of Sehnsucht, a word that encapsulates longing and yearning. Maggie shares the thrill of childhood birthdays, intertwining the joy of a six-year-old with the deep desires of a parent. The exploration of everyday magic through expansive desire offers a fresh lens on life. This poetic journey not only celebrates the richness of emotions but also invites listeners to appreciate the beauty in their daily experiences.
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Joy Of Childhood Birthdays
- Maggie Smith recalls her children's birthdays and the excitement of turning double digits.
- She describes her daughter spinning in a butterfly dress and loving age six while anticipating seven.
Naming Longing As Sehnsucht
- Maggie introduces the word Sehnsucht to name expansive longing and yearning for something missing.
- She frames this desire as a lens to appreciate everyday wonder and the mystery of growing older.
Parenthood: Possibility Versus Change
- Maggie imagines her daughter growing into someone who will dance Swan Lake and name new nations, full of possibility.
- She contrasts her daughter's ardent forward motion with her own changing self and memories of shared moments like ice cream.