"For Presence"

I just received this beautiful poem from the Panhala listserv.....

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 secret symmetry of your soul.

May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven
around the heart of wonder.

~ John O'Donohue ~

(To Bless the Space Between Us)

Homecoming....

Being back home in CA, which I reached last Monday-- I have only been home one week... In this time I have learned (and been reminded of) a number of things: More on the four letter word that has been captivating my attention, how to drive to the South bay two times, how to roller skate, how to fall asleep with a lot on my mind, and how to drift into sleep with thick slumber, how significant it is when someone takes the time to listen as well as speak, give as well as receive, that I want to meditate, that I need to keep praying, that stories can be so profusely inspiring that you feel like you are putting together colorful gems from which you create something greater, and that love is not needing someone to be happy but rather more so working and hoping for another's happiness ... I have learned that I am not as old as I might think, and I have noticed that my hair is growing longer. I really can be simple. I panic. Yet, I am not panicky. I doubt and want answers. Sometimes, I don't want to know. I like raw, sweet carrots as well as running in the rain. When I am around true friends, my whole beings feels ready to radiate. At times, knowledge declares but wisdom listens.......

I have also learned that sometimes the truth hurts-- but, cliche as it is and most likely sounds, it sets us free. But we cannot lay aside our connection to the One from whom all things come--- Anchored amidst freedom & with freedom, we can live more open-handed... We can learn to love and not need to possess. We can let go as well as hold close. I have learned that I am still learning. Sometimes I don't want to learn at all. Sometimes I am so grateful for all the learning that I feel like a little child doing somersaults down a safe hill in my back yard.

Would that we could all dare to understand the truth that propels us?! Would we resist using each other as pawns but rather recognize all the uniqueness, all the wonder, all the potential. Friendship. Yes, I am still learning.

Birthdays are all about Facebook Love. YAY!

Integrity

Integrity: It makes sense that it is all about integration--- that all the parts of your self make up a whole, a unified whole. I am striving to embody integration in the fullest sense.... while keeping my heart open to those around me.