The Way It Is

The Way It Is

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change.  But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

~ William Stafford ~

Do you know this thread? It's your connection to the timeless, changeless Presence that we are. I was simply amazed when I read this poem because my connection to it was immediate and automatic. When I think back, I can't remember not sensing this thread. There have been times I thought I was lost, but I didn't let go of the thread. Somehow the unfolding just continues...

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Listen...

Listening 

      to your heart,

  finding out who you are,

         is not simple.

It takes time for

     the chatter to quiet down.

In the silence of "not doing"

       we begin to know

          what we feel.

If we listen & hear

   what is being offered,

       then anything in life

can be our guide.

Listen... 

~ Katelyn Rahdene Langford

I found this poem on the wall at a retreat center a few years ago. Reading it again reminds me of that precious time being steeped in silence for ten days. What comes to mind is that now is the time to listen to my heart. Each moment holds the possibility to know what we feel. In the silence of "not doing" I find my retreat. 

Now retire, my dear...

You Don't Have to Act Crazy Anymore 

You don't have to act crazy anymore-
We all know you were good at that.

Now retire, my dear,
From all that hard work you do

Of bringing pain to your sweet eyes and heart.

Look in a clear mountain mirror -
See the Beautiful Ancient Warrior
And the Divine elements
You always carry inside

That infused this Universe with sacred Life
So long ago

And join you Eternally
With all Existence - with God!

 ~ Hafiz ~

Today is the first day of "retirement" for me. Over the last year or so I've pondered this idea of "retirement" and believe me it has not been an easy decision. I kept waiting for some clarity & it just didn't come. Each time I took a tiny step toward it, something would happen to draw me back into my "career." Finally, I was against the wall with no where to go & I closed my eyes & said, "It's time."

I didn't know why & I certainly don't know what I'll "do," but it's time. Once the decision was made, everything began to fall into place. Now here I sit wondering what will happen next ~ comfortable with uncertainty ~ content with just being ~ open to whatever unfolds.