Talk Talk Talk

I had a very involved day today, visiting with F/friends, discussing my spiritual state of affairs ad infinitum.

How often does the mere act of being listened to help and support our growth? I didn't really get any "advice" today specifically. I did hear many stories of others' ways forward and openings. Perhaps not applicable in all ways, but gems of hope in their successes.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about perceptions this week. I shared some observations with a friend and they were "taken the wrong way" - or so I thought. Perhaps his insights into my words challenged me to new directions. I can't really assume there is any "wrong" way - the way my words rest in another's heart reflect that person's sensibilities more than my own. It was a careful reminder to me of how often we shut down those avenues of listening, as we consider not only what is being said, but its "truth" as we know it. Finding Truth, not just "truth" - is so much harder! I was upset by the news of this - and still am, but more so to think that my words could have hurt another who has been kind to me. Again, all about me. As so much is these days. This stretching/thinking/growing is hard work. I'm trying now to get out of my head and make so little about me - as I wake to new possibilities, an upcoming week of helping and considering others might be exactly what I need.... (oops, me again!)

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me, so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

~ Theodore Roethke ~

(The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke)