I have recently come across a book of blessings, written from the depths of soulfulness by the mystic, former theologian, the late John O'Donohue. I had wanted to share this one earlier but with a sick child, didn't have a chance to get it out.
When I first read this blessing, I promptly copied it down in my journal. I was struck by how I have been hiding in what I thought was safety. But it is really a call to go out into the world with a renewed sense of adventure, with the awareness that this is not easy. But I think the world does want to see you out there, as an active and creative participant.
I wanted to share it because I think it is collectively for all of you, not only at Daily Kos but for you individually in the nation who have yearned and worked so hard for this, as we witness the inauguration of our new President.
The world, your world, our world, awaits us as we have been waiting for this.
Please join me in the jump.
"For A New Beginning,"
By John O'Donohue
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 growing 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 gray 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 plentitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at 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 rhythym,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you."
From John O'Donohue's book of blessings called To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings.
I am struck with the energy that is part of a blessing. Are they prayers? Are they poems? I don't know what the answer is but to me, blessings are a form of benediction. John O'Donohue calls them "a circle of light".
We watched the Presidential inauguration with an enormous sense of relief and gratitude.
May a circle of light surround us each and every one of us, here at Daily Kos, everyone in this nation, President Obama and family.