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"
John O'Donohu
This whole book by O'Donohue is a great blessing "To Bless the space between us." So sad that he has departed but grateful for the gifts he left behind--each of them a special gem of insight for our troubled world. John O'Donohue helps me remember what truly matters.
I found this article, incredbly inspiring. I'm sure you will to. It's brief and to the point. Check it out. http://worldobserveronline....
Excellent message, specially for those of us who try to manage stress daily.
Great to get a poem - not just more "information"
Would love more poems from Daily Good.
I cannot possibly tell you how timely this is for me right now...I am so grateful for your writing - you have provided a validation that I so desperately needed. It is only by the refuge, calmness, and gentleness you have so eloquently communicated that I have survived. Thank you, dear John O'Donahue for having written this. Thank you so, dear Daily Good, for having posted it.
Namaste, ~AJay
I like the expression, 'race of days'. It seems like this and to what end we run I'm sometimes unsure. I think it's because we feel we run out of time. We have to do things. To be seen to be doing things. I think it's time I stopped. Time to let everything flow around me and just let life happen.
Oh my God, this was just what I needed...Thank you to whoever chose it
On Sep 9, 2023 Rosalie Charlton wrote:
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