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About this quote

What does it mean?
Birth is a raw, unfiltered experience of being thrust onto the earth without preparation.
In plain terms
Birth is like being mounted bareback on the earth.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the vulnerability and immediacy of new beginnings.

Where it applies

  • parenthood
  • starting a new job
  • moving to a new place

Putting it to work

  • embrace uncertainty
  • stay present
  • accept lack of preparation

Questions to consider

  • How does this metaphor shape your view of beginnings?
  • What supports can cushion the rawness of new starts?

Another view

Some births are planned and supported, reducing the 'bareback' feeling.

More from Robert Frost

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  2. You can be a rank insider as well as a rank outsider.

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  3. There's absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush. Everybody should be free to go very slow...What you want, what you're hanging around in the …

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