What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
by Lynn Ungar, 11 March 2020
I loved reading Lynn Ungar‘s response to what seems to be the topic of many conversations and occupies many thoughts. I’m heartened to see and read about all the reaching out that’s happening, and I’m glad that at the Mindfulness Association we’re looking at how we can offer support to those who could do with an extra bit of (online) connecting… watch this space!
And stay well and connected…
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
Hello Kristine,
As usual I love reading your wonder words and this poem touches parts others fail to reach!! I love it and will look on the internet at some more of Lynne’s writings. Thank you also for the meditation last night. It was so restorative. I was strangely moved to see so many people from many different countries all working for one cause. Being over 70yrs I am supposedly confined to barracks for the time being and trying to see it as an opportunity rather than an imposition. I have to consider my 99yr old mum who lives on her own in North Wales. So am being very sensible but at the same time have panic attacks when the ‘what iffs’ creep in. I know that meditation is the key and I now have ample time to practice. Have you seen the you tubs videos called music for change. Fabulous music particular the one with Ringo Starr on drums…so uplifting!!
Glad to hear the poem and the sit struck a chord with you Pamela! I was moved as well, so grateful for this wonderful community of practitioners. May you and your mum be well…
May I offer my offering on this topic?
Today’s #poem: These Times
•
“This too shall pass,”
the ancients said
and so it did
but so too did it stay
within the human race
in memories
if not in ways.
And so we’ve come to here,
this surface blur called now,
its depths though
a clear echo.
Listen. Hear.
Earth still holds out her arms
as she sends up
her wake-up calls.
She knows.
And we born of the earth,
her seas and stars,
know too.
Can we bear to plunge
into the wound and find
the pearl
the question passed to us?
What can we make
and mend
to make amends?
We have, now, what we need
and the whole world
has shown, now, how
it can act as one.
The time is come.
From “Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry”
Lynn Ungar’s poem has been beautifully made into a video, I have put the link below. I think the words, images and music combined are so powerful. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-RkMIIJTUH/?igshid=1cjy6yp8gaxmq
Beautiful, thank you for sharing Annette!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful offering Orna!