Inspiration for Hectic Hearts

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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 noticing the small miracles we rushed through.

Let nature and our senses restore mind, body and spirit.

Namaste

41 responses to “Inspiration for Hectic Hearts”

  1. Thank you, Val, for this beautiful, restorative post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad it found you today. Thank you Ann 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Beautiful post, Val. I have found J O’ D to be such an inspiration along the way.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Don. John o’D’s words are so uplifting.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. This is perfectly timed wisdom, Val. Many thanks… ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you dear Eliza 💕🙏💕

      Liked by 1 person

  4. That is a brilliant poem choice Val…. I take great pleasure watching the rain.. Nature always restores your spirit and aligns us with that sense of freedom.. Thank YOU dear Val ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you dear Sue. Finding balance and restoring our inner spirit is so important these days, otherwise we can get swept up in the chaos and disturbances out there! Have a lovely weekend 💕🙏💕

      Like

  5. You have pointed us well to this profound poem, Val

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you For your kind words, Derrick 💛

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Jill. So glad these words resonated today 💛

      Like

  6. Oh did I ever enjoy this poem, Val. There are so many brilliant lines and words. I thank you for this serenity, and will cherish it the whole day.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I like the idea of hanging around someone who seems to have all the time in the world…

    Like

  8. A wise pathway Val, to finally ‘know’ is to let it go and just be. Thank you for sharing 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Mark. So glad yo enjoyed these words 💛🙏💛

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Beautiful words of wisdom 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Dave 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  10. My fave stanza:

    Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
    Learn to linger around someone of ease
    Who feels they have all the time in the world.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A person like that is so soothing … perhaps a BFF?

      Liked by 1 person

  11. This was beautiful, Val. I feel it could have applied directly to my last week or so… Struggling with a dilemma that sort of drained me. And then it feels there’s no way out. (Only in the sense of there being no great options.) But this is the mistake of the heavy clouds that settle in: the way is still there, it’s just temporarily obscured from view. And with patience, and a little nurturing light, things can change radically! It’s good to remember.

    Hope you are well!
    Peace
    Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Stepping away and soaking in the nurturing light is a wonderful way of putting it. So glad it felt right for you at this time. Thank you and be well. 💛

      Like

  12. What a beautiful poem, Val, and hopeful words that you share, too. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Lauren 💛🙏💛

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Val, thank you, always, for the gentle nudge to that middle ground.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad it gently nudged you Colleen. Thank you 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

  14. John O’Donohue is my favorite author. A beautiful share, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Diana. I didn’t know he was your favorite. I love his word choices and the rhythm of his work. 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  15. “Let nature and our senses restore mind, body and spirit.” Perfect!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Agreed! Thank you Jennifer 💛

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Such a beautiful post!👌

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Esdi 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Welcome😇

        Like

  17. Thank you for the gift of this poem. It was the perfect way to start my day. In the past few months I feel that the Oregon rivers have taught me the most about how to be in a moment of peace. But those moments are so fleeting. I think my connections this summer with nature are why this part particularly resonated with me.
    “Draw alongside the silence of stone
    Until its calmness can claim you.
    Be excessively gentle with yourself.”
    Val, thank you for your ongoing blessing to my days.
    Be well.
    Ali

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I am so glad this resonated Ali … and it sounds like the words opened up a part of you. How lovely 💕

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Such a wonderful poem! The beauty of God’s creation is well expressed in this poem. Thank you so much for letting us experience these wondrous gifts thru your awesome gift of wisdom.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Wise words. I am grateful to you for posting them here now for us all to read. 💖

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Ben. 🙏

      Liked by 2 people

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About Me

My name is Val Boyko, a dual citizen living near Philadelphia, originally from Scotland.

This blog came to life one morning in 2013.  I woke up with these words in my mind:  “Life is a series of highs and lows. Be grateful for the highs. Be graceful in the lows. And find contentment in your Middle Ground.”

Find Your Middle Ground blog started to explore, reflect, ask deep questions, share insights about awakening, and connect with wonderful people like yourself. Thank you for being here and being such an inspiration.