Perhaps the greatest challenge in the state of our union, especially given how our political dialogue has degraded into demonizing the other side, is to find some way to rise above or get beyond divisiveness in our rhetoric and to hold a space in our hearts that invites genuine and respectful dialogue. This poem asks the Twilight: “Why do we cast the world in light and dark?”
Read MoreOn the 4th of July, we celebrate our independence, as the land of the free. In the poem, the narrator has a kind love-fear relationship with freedom, which is characterized as a wildness where nothing is barred and all things may come and go. What is freedom to you? What is the relationship between personal freedom and social responsibility ?
Read MoreResearch in human behavior indicates that we are healthier and happier and that we live longer, richer lives if we have a sense of purpose or if we feel we have a mission that guides our contribution to the world. The word “upright” is used both for posture and for a way of living properly, of being honest and honorable (as opposed to crooked). What does it mean to you to live upright? If you think of yourself as evolving as a person, what is the next step in your evolution?
Read MoreWe have all felt the fear and trembling, the shyness, the precious vulnerability, at the thought of sharing what is in our hearts. If we are able, in that moment of truth, to let the speaking of our heart with pure intent be its own completion, that act of courage frees the whole flock and our spirit soars. What truth lives caged in your heart waiting for you to give it a voice?
Read MoreLove is a process of affirmation, an act of saying “yes” to life, or to something or someone in life. To what or to whom in your life do you say, “Yes?”
Read MoreDo you rush headlong into the day? Do you have a morning routine that connects you with yourself? Here’s a challenge: Before you rushing your day, read a love poem first, everyday between now and Valentine’s Day. Almost any Rumi poem will do, since his poetry is sourced from love. Or you can use any of my Valentine’s Day collections, including the latest e-book, The Heartbreak of Desire, available for free for a limited time..
Read MoreTo sit in silence is one of the most beautiful and profound experiences. If you still yourself long enough to dip below the noise of the world, to listen beyond or between your own chatter, you can sit at the edge of silence, which is the backdrop of creation. I wrote Cathedral of Silence in one piece after after meditation with a friend. The poem offers a time to reflect: What is your prayer of the heart? What is your prayer for the world?
Read MoreAt times, many people, myself included, face this irony of working hard to relax. Our bodies become accustomed to tension and we hold tightened muscles unconsciously. The unnatural tension becomes natural. Consequently, we must work at relaxing and struggle against what has become normal in our bodies. Where do you carry your tension? What do you do to manage it?
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This sign at the entryway to the Kalamazoo Nature Center is the closest thing I had to a picture of a map with a pointing arrow that reads “you are here.” But actually I think this fits the bill even better!
One of the greatest balancing acts in our modern world, is to find the sweet spot between the rush to the future and enjoyment the present. Fall is a great reminder to do so. As the weather cools, the days shorten, and winter starts to bare its teeth, we need to ready ourselves for the storms while enjoying the last of the harvest season.
You Are Here was previously published in my 7th book of poetry, Bearing Witness, available at amazon or for digital format, click here: Bearing Witness.
We are always at that point
on the map of our lives
that says, “You Are Here.”
And we always start
from here and now.
No matter how rugged
or smooth the terrain,
how twisted or straight the path,
how difficult or easy the steps,
we are always right we are,
always at the tip of the arrow.
We live like royalty
while we clothe
our hearts and minds in rags.
Toss them aside.
Don a dream coat,
stitched from the colors
of your life —
the sunshine yellows of happy days
and deep blues of sad ones,
the garden greens of growth
and the burnt browns of loss,
the metallic grey of loneliness
and the bright red blossoms of love —
and wear the wonder of this life,
taking the next step knowing
you will land again in another now,
complete in itself, with more than enough
for all your desire.
What are you doing to harvest your time and your life?
Please share your thoughts and comments below.
© Nick LeForce
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