New Year's Eve

A Blessing

“...You have traveled too fast over false ground

Now your soul has come to take you back.

Take refuge in your senses, open up

To all the small miracles you rushed through.

Become inclined to watch the way of rain

When it falls slow and free...”

John O'Donohue (excerpt from “For One Who Is Exhausted, A Blessing; On Being Blog; Krista Tippett; Dec. 22, 2017)

Rain is falling today at Lake Martin—cold and gray, painting the lake and its surroundings in shades of charcoal. New Year's eve is always bitter sweet. The old year ends, with so much undone; the new year begins, with so much to do; a daunting prospect. Christmas, with all its hustle and flurry is past, and many of us are spent, frazzled. It's a good day to sit by the fire with a cup of hot tea and reflect.

John O'Donohue's beautiful poem of blessing, encourages us to rest and take in the natural world through our senses. It says:

“...Draw along side the silence of stone

Until its calmness can claim you.

Be excessively gentle with yourself...”

On this day, before 2018 descends upon us, with its new/old ways, it's demands and challenges, gather some silence around you and let the fatigue have its way. Rest.

“...Gradually, you will return to yourself

Having learned a new respect for your heart

And the joy that dwells far within slow time.”

I wish you a blessed and safe New Year's Eve.

                                                         In the Spirit,

                                                            Jane