Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Thousand Mornings summary
Brief summary
A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver is a collection of poems that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the quiet moments of reflection. Oliver's lyrical verses invite readers to pause, observe, and find solace in the present.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Thousand Mornings
Summary of key ideas
The Beauty of Mornings
In A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver, we are taken on a journey through the poet's mornings, where she finds beauty and meaning in the simplest of things. Oliver's observations of the natural world, from birds to flowers, serve as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the world around us.
The collection opens with I Wake Close to Morning, where Oliver describes waking up early to the sound of birds. This sets the tone for the book, emphasizing the importance of starting the day with mindfulness and an appreciation for the natural world. She continues to explore this theme in While I Am Writing a Poem to Celebrate Summer, the Meadowlark Begins to Sing, where she captures the beauty of the moment.
Exploring Nature's Wonders
In the middle section of the book, Oliver delves deeper into her observations of nature. In Hummingbird Pauses at the Trumpet Vine, she describes the delicate and fleeting nature of life, drawing a parallel between the hummingbird and our own existence. She then moves on to Goldenrod, where she examines the overlooked beauty of this wildflower, and Mockingbirds, where she celebrates the bird's ability to mimic the sounds of its environment.
Oliver's observations are not just limited to the external world. In On Meditating, Sort Of, she shares her thoughts on meditation, acknowledging the difficulty of quieting the mind and achieving a state of true mindfulness. However, she finds solace in the act of trying and in the peace that nature offers.
Life's Transience and the Quest for Meaning
As the collection progresses, Oliver's reflections on the natural world lead her to contemplate the transient nature of life. In Lines Written in the Days of Growing Darkness, she acknowledges the inevitability of death and the changing of seasons. However, rather than despair, she finds comfort in the cyclical nature of life and the beauty in its impermanence.
In Leaves and Blossoms Along the Way, Oliver reflects on her own aging process. She accepts the changes in her body and appearance, finding beauty in the wrinkles and gray hair as they represent a life well-lived. She also expresses gratitude for the wisdom that comes with age.
Gratitude and Connection
Throughout A Thousand Mornings, Oliver emphasizes the importance of gratitude and connection. In On Thy Wondrous Works I Will Meditate, she marvels at the intricacies of nature and the universe, expressing her awe and appreciation for their existence. She also explores the idea of connection in On Traveling to Beautiful Places, where she acknowledges the importance of being present and finding beauty in the everyday.
In conclusion, A Thousand Mornings is a collection of poetry that invites readers to slow down and appreciate the world around them. Through her keen observations and reflections, Mary Oliver encourages us to find beauty in the ordinary, embrace life's transience, and cultivate gratitude and connection.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Thousand Mornings about?
A Thousand Mornings is a collection of poems by Mary Oliver that invites readers to pause and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Through her evocative language and keen observations, Oliver explores themes of solitude, connection, and the passage of time. This book serves as a gentle reminder to find moments of stillness and wonder in our busy lives.
A Thousand Mornings Review
A Thousand Mornings (2012) by Mary Oliver invites readers into a world of profound contemplation through her poetry. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Delving into themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience, it offers a reflective journey that resonates deeply with readers.
- Oliver's evocative imagery and profound insights bring a sense of peace and wonder, enriching the reader's perspective on life and our place in the world.
- Each poem is like a mini meditation, inviting readers to slow down, observe the beauty around them, and find solace in the simplicity of existence.
Who should read A Thousand Mornings?
Readers who appreciate introspective and contemplative poetry
Those who find solace and inspiration in nature and everyday experiences
People who enjoy thought-provoking and beautifully crafted language
Categories with A Thousand Mornings
Book summaries like A Thousand Mornings
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Thousand Mornings FAQs
What is the main message of A Thousand Mornings?
The main message of A Thousand Mornings is finding beauty and peace in everyday moments.
How long does it take to read A Thousand Mornings?
Reading A Thousand Mornings takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Thousand Mornings a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Thousand Mornings is a calming, insightful read that offers solace and connection with nature.
Who is the author of A Thousand Mornings?
Mary Oliver is the author of A Thousand Mornings.
What to read after A Thousand Mornings?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Thousand Mornings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- Mastery by Robert Greene
- Bounce by Matthew Syed
- The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
- Don’t Go Back to School by Kio Stark
- How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- The Education of a Value Investor by Guy Spier