For a New Beginning

Some of you know that I love poems and I have some favorite poets. And a few of you know I like to write a poem now and then. My way of practicing mindfulness as a nod to my not so successful efforts to calm my monkey mind enough to do sitting meditations.

A few weeks back I was in Portland, OR visiting my friend and colleague, Ronelle Coburn, for work and for fun. On an early morning walk – a moving meditation with monkey mind in tow – I happened upon a poetry box in her neighborhood. Posted in the box was one of my favorite poems by one of my favorite poets. And they say there are no coincidences!

I invite you to peer inside and read John O’Donohue’s poem For a  New Beginning. That’s what life is all about. Or at least, I think so.

In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

                               ~ John O’Donohue

And, if you’re inspired by poets like John O’Donohue, check out one of my Pinterest boards Inspired by Favorite Poets, Painters….