8>1000 Post

Sunday 12 July 2026

A tamarisk on the promenade in Nazaré. The soil is sandy and poor. Daily salty sea mist. These are not ideal conditions for a tree to grow quickly. Fortunately, the tamarisk – also known as the salt cedar – is in no hurry whatsoever, just like all trees, for that matter.

I’ve already written the 8>1000 book several times. At least in my mind. My typing hand – and sometimes my writing hand – can’t keep up with the pace at which the ideas come. It moves much more slowly than one might expect. Day after day, I’m getting used to the idea of moving as quickly or as slowly as the moment dictates. Is that what those ancient Taoists meant by wu-wei? Is that letting that annoying friction between expectation and reality fade away? Word by word, letter by letter. And before you know it, another page has been filled.

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And tomorrow morning, of course: the week begins with music. Have a lovely Sunday!

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