chapter eight - passed understanding

one life at a time

"Our origin in, and affinity with, the eternal is confirmed by the fact that what seems to come from the distance of Elsewhere turns out to be the most profound expression of our inner nature." - John O'Donohue

In the deserts of the heart
Let the healing fountains start,
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise.
 - W. H. Auden

 

"It is impossible to be on earth and avoid awakening. Everything that happens within and around you calls your heart to awaken. As the density of night gives way to the bright song of the dawn, so your soul continually coaxes you to give way to the light and awaken. Longing is the voice of your soul; it constantly calls you to be fully present in your life: to live to the full the one life given to you. Rilke said to the young poet: 'Live everything.' You are here on earth now, yet you forget so easily. You travelled a great distance to get here. The dream of your life has been dreamed from eternity. You belong within a great embrace which urges you to have the courage to honour the immensity that sleeps in your heart. When you learn to listen to and trust the wisdom of your soul's longing, you will awaken to the invitation of graced belonging that inhabits the generous depths of your destiny. You will become aware of the miracle of presence within and around you. In the beginning was the dream, and the dream was Providence." - John O'Donohue

Last night I dreamed
- blessed illusion -
that I had a beehive here
in my heart
and that
the golden bees were making
white combs and sweet honey
from my old failures.
 - Antonio Machado

"I felt as though my quest to become truly happy would touch my father’s existence, and, as Sensei says, send waves of immense joy to him. My despair of having lost my father turned into the most beautiful connection with his life." - Abe Uccello

"Real presence is eternity become radiant."

May you take time to celebrate the quiet
miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret
symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a
sacred gift woven around the heart of
wonder.
 - John O'Donohue

chapter nine