Everything is Going to Be Alright
LISTENING FOR INNER WISDOM THROUGH POETRY
For this practice, settle into your space for 10-ish minutes of presence. Sometimes we can connect to the present moment by noticing what comes up in us as we read, listen, or view a “third thing” and reflecting on it. We may discover insight there, too, but we aren’t approaching the practice with the intention of an outcome. This practice is about entering into what’s happening right now, whatever that is.
Instructions (use them or skip them!):
What is it like inside you and around you in this moment?
What do you notice about your breath?
What do you notice about the physical space you are in?
Is there anything you’d like to attend to before you begin?
Read the following quote (either silently or aloud) 1-2 times. Imagine the words being poured out into your hands. There are so many words; you can’t possibly catch them all. Maybe a couple of words or phrases land in a way that you can turn toward with curiosity.
What do you notice? Are there words or phrases that linger? Or perhaps you have a felt sense of the entire quote.
Read the quote again.
What do you wonder? As you hold what you noticed, or the entire poem, is there a question that comes up in you? Is there a cascade of questions? Sometimes writing these down helps us gently excavate our inner landscape.
Bookmark it. Is there a word, phrase, or question you’d like to carry with you (in a journal, to explore in a conversation with a friend, to spiritual direction)?
Savoring & Appreciation. You took some moments to be present. This was the invitation. Whether or not you experienced something that sticks with you, consider savoring the experience and appreciating yourself for showing up.
“How should I not be glad to contemplate the clouds clearing beyond the dormer window and a high tide reflected on the ceiling.
There will be dying, there will be dying, but there is no need to go into that.
The poems flow from the hand unbidden and the hidden source is the watchful heart.
The sun rises in spite of everything and the far cities are beautiful and bright.
I lie here in a riot of sunlight watching the day break and the clouds flying.
Everything is going to be all right.”
Contemplate the image. You may try a similar exercise with the image above. What do you notice? What do you wonder? Are you drawn to the image? Do you resist it?
I encountered this poem in David Whyte’s book Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as Pilgrimage of Identity.
Would you like some company or gentle guidance as you listen for wisdom and explore new ways of engaging with your soul? Kirsten offers spacious accompaniment and trauma-informed spiritual direction. I’d love to hear what’s stirring in you and meet with you for a free exploration session.
