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The world stands out on either side No wider than the heart is wide; Above the world is stretched the sky, - No higher than the soul is high. The heart can push the sea and land Farther away on either hand; The soul can split the sky in two, And let the face of God shine through. But East and West will pinch the heart That can not keep them pushed apart; And he whose soul is flat - the sky Will cave in on him by and by.

Edna St. Vincent Millay#1

FreedomHeartMindsetPerspectiveSoul

About this quote

What does it mean?
The breadth of the world depends on the openness of the heart and soul.
In plain terms
Your world is as wide as your heart is open.
What can you take from it?
Perspective shapes your experience of reality.

Where it applies

  • seeking freedom
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • mindfulness
  • meditation

Questions to consider

  • How does mindset shape reality?
  • What limits your world?

Another view

It places too much blame on the individual.

More from Edna St. Vincent Millay

  1. My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But, ah, my foes, and, oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. Euclid alone has looked on Beauty bare. Let all who prate of Beauty hold their peace, And lay them prone upon the earth and cease To ponder on themselves, the …

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink Nor slumber nor a roof against the rain; Nor yet a floating spar to men that sink And rise and sink and rise and sink…

    Permalink to quote #4

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