LONGING

The secret of life somehow always has to do with the awakening and freeing of what has been asleep.           Mark Nepo

As I pondered what my writing prompt would be this week, John O’Donohue’s book, Benedictus, A Book of Blessings seemed to call me. I hadn’t opened this book in over two years. When I pulled it from my shelf it fell open to his poem For Longing. Rereading this wonderful poem, I realized it was exactly what I needed to read at this point in my life.

I am currently in the “in between” or the threshold. Many doors have closed over the past year, but new ones have not opened. I am not sure what is calling me forward. This feeling of emptiness is an uncomfortable place. Reading this poem I am curious what is being birthed within me?  What new wants to emerge? What is longing to be awakened?  Am I staying safe and not saying Yes to Spirit’s whispers?  All questions this poem evoked in me.  Below is the poem.  Read it slowly and pay attention to what sentences or words jump out at you.  Where is the energy in this poem for you?  Where are you in this poem?

FOR LONGING      by John O’Donohue    

Blessed be the longing that brought you here 
And quickens your soul with wonder.

May you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire
That disturbs you when you have settled for something safe.

May you have the wisdom to enter generously into your own unease
To discover the new direction your longing wants you to take.

May the forms of your belonging—in love, creativity and friendship
Be equal to the grandeur and the call of your soul

May the one you long for long for you.

May your dreams gradually reveal the destination of your desire.

May a secret Providence guide your thought and nurture your feelings.

May your mind inhabit your life with the sureness with which 
Your body inhabits the world.

May your heart never be haunted by ghost-structures of old damage.

May you come to accept your longing as divine urgency.

May you know the urgency with which God longs for you.

Reflect on what speaks to you in this poem and explore it in your writing.