Where do we go from here?
There is so much to feel right now, I am overwhelmed. Outrage, despair, sadness, fear… you don’t have to read much past the front page headlines to find all of that. And to know that people are hurting.
I do love the Wendell Berry poem about going and lying in the field for a little while. Stepping away from the brokenness, away from the minute-to-minute news cycle, away from the corruption and greed, the destruction and violence that I can not make sense of.
I also think of a line from David Whyte’s well-known poem, Sweet Darkness:
There is so much to feel right now, I am overwhelmed. Outrage, despair, sadness, fear… you don’t have to read much past the front page headlines to find all of that. And to know that people are hurting.
I do love the Wendell Berry poem about going and lying in the field for a little while. Stepping away from the brokenness, away from the minute-to-minute news cycle, away from the corruption and greed, the destruction and violence that I can not make sense of.
I also think of a line from David Whyte’s well-known poem, Sweet Darkness:
when your eyes are tired/the world is tired also…
For me this brings to mind the idea of microcosm/macrocosm. What is happening to me is also happening to the world. And conversely, what is happening to the world is also happening within me.
Much of what is hurting the world is out of my direct control. I can add my voice; I can stand up for what I believe is right, but this is not the same as direct control.
On the other hand, I do have control over my inner landscape and my inner dialogue. I can ask myself, “where is it hurting?” and “what do I need in this moment?” I can bring warmth and compassion to my own broken places. And just sit for a while.
I can notice and acknowledge the blessings within and how they fill my heart with love and gratitude.
Love and gratitude flow from my heart, and I am awash in the peace and fullness of being.
And now, as I walk through my day, that peace accompanies me. I like to imagine that I am leaving a trail as I go - peaceful footprints for a world in need.
What do you need in this moment? What is the impact of acknowledging that need, of sitting with it for a few moments?
Much of what is hurting the world is out of my direct control. I can add my voice; I can stand up for what I believe is right, but this is not the same as direct control.
On the other hand, I do have control over my inner landscape and my inner dialogue. I can ask myself, “where is it hurting?” and “what do I need in this moment?” I can bring warmth and compassion to my own broken places. And just sit for a while.
I can notice and acknowledge the blessings within and how they fill my heart with love and gratitude.
Love and gratitude flow from my heart, and I am awash in the peace and fullness of being.
And now, as I walk through my day, that peace accompanies me. I like to imagine that I am leaving a trail as I go - peaceful footprints for a world in need.
What do you need in this moment? What is the impact of acknowledging that need, of sitting with it for a few moments?
 | Jessica Curtis is a professional coach who helps people cultivate intention and live from a place of meaning and authenticity. If you think you could benefit from working with Jessica or want to invite her to work with your group, reach out to start a conversation. |
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