06/08/2016
Beginning to Begin
Can we recognize that now and then there comes
an inner sense, a fleeting thought, a little yearning
to live our lives a little differently?
We don't know what this means or what it requires.
We shake these notions off like a dog shakes off water
and go about our business.
But the longing continues.
Who has time we ask? What is it anyway?
Recognize to do what? Stop?
Do nothing? Be quiet?
What for?
Our practical selves only know how to perfect,
produce and perform.
This, at least, we can see as useful. This has results.
We want to believe in this way of perceiving.
But the longing doesn't let us alone. It won't go away.
We become even busier perhaps
to "take care of it."
We numb ourselves with distractions - things to do,
consume and maintain -
things to collect, experience, and entertain.
We can always think of more miles to run.
Could we sense that this longing is not lack
or something worse
-some kind of fundamental flaw in us?
Could we receive it as an invitation instead,
a calling, a small voice inviting us home,
back to our truer self?
This shift in thought can move mountains.
It can let us begin to begin.
Gunilla Norris, Inviting Silence
