The timeliness of being present
It can take a while to trust being around others.
This first-time Canada Goose family learnt the hard way that the presence of alpacas can help protect them from predator foxes.
Now, they have an understanding and are comfortable in each other’s presence. Doing what they do best – the first-time father watching out for his brood and the alpacas being a gentle and intentional deterrent.
Here in the valley, there are frequent lessons in being present. And re-discovering John O’Donohue’s blessing For Presence the other night, amplified my sense of its significance at this time.
This is about vital human connection and being prepared to be all in rather than hanging back.
And I think we need this more than ever.
FOR PRESENCE
Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.
Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.
May anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.?
Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
Be consoled in the sweet symmetry of your soul.
领英推荐
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.
+ John O’Donohue, in Benedictus: A Book of Blessings, Bantam Press, 2007
Where does this poem touch you?
Pause. See differently. Re-story ??
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This week
Poetry and poetic expression give breathing room. It doesn’t tell us what to do or how to think. Instead, it invites us to stand in a different place and see for ourselves.
Creating space
Breathe in beauty.
I am currently conscious of so much ugliness in the world and don’t want to drown in its waves. I want to rise above it, not as a moral inditement, but as a beacon of hope.
Breathe in beauty.
Stand in the natural world's presence, even if it’s a tree in the park or a flower in the garden. Let the awesomeness of a sunset or a sunrise elevate your soul.
Or let a poem or a picture restore your sense of transcendence – beauty expressed in your presence.
Nothing more … yet everything.
Pause. See differently. Re-story ??
Writing a book for parents in Feb & March 2025 | Artist | Humanitarian Advocate | Speaker | Poet | Human, Humaning | Midlife Minx | Fuelled by love AND rage ?? | Free Palestine ??
1 年Lovely reflections as always Sue. And words by John to soothe. Love this in particular > Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention. Wish he was still alive. I’d like to visit and drink tea with him in Connemara.
?? Bridge Builder
1 年"Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity." Yesterday, I watched Gabor Maté on how we disconnect from our feelings because they can't be accepted by those caring for us. We have to choose between connection and authenticity. And then we accept all sorts of behaviors that in our heart we know are not acceptable because of the old childhood fear of being left alone. But the adult can survive being left while the toddler can't, so as adults we need to step up and speak out against falsity. That is part of the responsibility of being an adult.
Once again speaking straight to my soul’s symmetry and quiet quest for presence…”and being prepared to be all in rather than hanging back.” Bless you, sister.
Be ready for what comes your way. Fuelled with what matters and strengthens you. Helping Senior leaders and business owners.
1 年Don't those alpacas look beautiful and down by the lake too. And this quote ..wow to that and thank you Sue "Be consoled in the sweet symmetry of your soul. May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder."