When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic,
Time takes on the strain until it breaks;
Then all the unattended stress falls in
On the mind like an endless, increasing weight,
The light in the mind becomes dim.
Things you could take in your stride before
Now become laborsome events of will.
Weariness invades your spirit.
Gravity begins falling inside you,
Dragging down every bone.
The tide you never valued has gone out.
And you are marooned on unsure ground.
Something within you has closed down;
And you cannot push yourself back to life.
You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest
And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken for the race of days.
At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.
You have traveled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.
Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.
Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.
~ John O’Donohue, from “Blessings”
There are some beautiful images and poignant phrases here to guide us to our Middle Ground.
May today be a day for slowing down and finding the joy within.
Let nature and our senses restore mind, body and spirit.
beautiful thanks Val
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Glad you enjoyed it Lorraine. It’s a powerful poem. 💛
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It’s a cloudy, rainy day here in Pa. Good day for some reading, and a nap. Enjoy your Sunday, Val. Nice share here. 💕
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I hope you got some good reading in Van. Looks like it will a damp one for a while. Glad you enjoyed this poem 💛
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What a fabulous reminder of John’s exquisite writings. Big hugs from doggie land!
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Just read it out aloud and couldn’t help thinking some dogs, not all, but some are creatures of great ease; Brandy being the purest example of our ten. When we moved here we named our home Anam Cara. It is Celtic for soul friend, the title of one of John’s books.
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Such a lovely name Paul. I’m also happy that Brandy is becoming such an important member of your clan 🐥
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Thanks to the dog people of the north west 🐾
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Loved this Val. “dragging down every bone”
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… Especially on rainy days like the last few. Thank you David. 💛
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Especially on these types of days… 🙂
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Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
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I loved those lines too Nancy. Today it rained buckets and was quite cold!! I embraced the green around me and the fairies dancing on the paths and sidewalks. xo
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Beautiful and wise. Thank you Val. ❤
Diana xo
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It is. Thank you Diana 💛
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So beautiful, Val. Thank you!
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Thanks Jill. It’s a piece to come back time and again… Especially on a rainy day like today 💛
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Amen! ❤
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Indeed Eliza ❣
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Beautiful, Val. I’ve been there–we’ve all been there and will be again. But I think each time we grow a little bit more.
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I agree Michele … The more we meet life’s challenges the more we learn to ride the waves. Thank you for being here. 💛
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Beautiful words today thanks Val. 💚
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Glad they resonated with you as well Karen. Happy start to your week 💛
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Wonderful! Thanks Val.
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Glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth. It’s a poem that reaches into the deep for many of us. 💛
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Beautiful poem, Val. My favorite line: “You have traveled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.” How comforting 🙂
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Ahh Yes. It is reassuring that we have this place to go to when we let go. Thank s D!
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Just beautiful! Thanks so much for the reminder…
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Thank you Ann. I don’t know about you, but I write to remind myself too ❣
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Your last two sentences say it all for me today ❤
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May you return to yourself and slow down to touch your soul Helen. Time for a break at least 💛
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Thank you for this gift of a poem Val x
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Thank you Julie for your kind words. It’s good to have you stop by 💛
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Val, may I use this poem in my own post if I reference you? Or could I reblog?
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Please do. Share the goodness Julie 💛
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Love John O’Donohue’s poetry.
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Me too. Me too. 💛
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I’ve had these feelings recently too; and yes, it’s good to be reminded that they are a natural reaction to past stress and that the dark and quiet days do not last forever.
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Thank you Meg 💛
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Sleep in our culture is often not revered for the powerful healing tool that it is. This poem describes well the process of too much rushing and how to recover. Wonderful, Val.
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Just beautiful Val.
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Thanks Kath – so glad it resonated with you 💛
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