RECENTLY
At year’s end
with love and hope for the New Year
Winter Holidays, 2020
In times like these …
Wait. There’ve been no “times like these”. I’ve had no practice feeling everyday-anxious, trying to stay a few steps ahead of that gloomy, looming shadow that wants to attach itself to my heels. But one thing I’ve come to know – it is connection that keeps us upright, moving forward. It’s love that takes our hand and leads us through the dark.
There is no darkness when I’m with you.
And for that, for you all, I am grateful.
~ Carole
(feel free to download the wallpaper for your personal use)
A Blessing of Presence
(full text)
by John O’Donohue
May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror your inner dignity of soul.
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 wonder.
from Eternal Echoes, Celtic Reflections On Our Yearning to Belong. Harper Perennials. 2000.
A Blessing of Presence
(full text)
by John O’Donohue
May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror your inner dignity of soul.
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 wonder.
from Eternal Echoes, Celtic Reflections On Our Yearning to Belong. Harper Perennials. 2000.
This is beautiful, Carole! Thank you!
Oh, thank you, Sandy! Hearing that makes me happy. 🙂
I so enjoyed reading this selection. In a time when connection with others can be difficult, this piece speaks to qualities we can still foster on our own, while waiting for “normal” to return.
Thank you, Ellie! I’m so glad John O’Donohue’s words resonated with you. I find him so comforting, so kind, so determined to find beauty and to share his wonder. I love how you put that – qualities we can foster on our own while we wait … they’re inspiration to take this time to grow and return to a new world stronger and readier to make all things better.
Thank you, again, for visiting, for leaving word that you were here. Your encouragement is a true gift.
I’m always finding new wonders as I wander through these pages!
Thank you for creating such a beautiful wallpaper — beloved characters, beloved city.
Thank you, too, for citing the words of John O’Donohue. I need to read this passage every day until it becomes part of my vision and heart. You are so kind to share it with all of us. Thank you so much.
I’m so glad John O’Donohue’s words touched you too, Linda. I find so much comfort in his writings. How I wish I could have spent some time in his presence.
Thank you, too, for finding happy-making things in these pages still. It’s what I hope for – this connection, to “be part of one another”. That means everything and I’m encouraged to keep going.
Hugs for visiting and for so much more!
C