The Way Under the Way

For all that has been written,
for all that has been read, we
are led to this instant where one
of us will speak and one of us will
listen, as if no one has ever placed
an oar into that water.

It doesn’t matter how we come
to this. We may jump to it or be
worn to it. Because of great pain.
Or a sudden raw feeling that this
is all very real. It may happen in a
parking lot when we break the eggs
in the rain. Or watching each other
in our grief.

But here we will come. With very
little left in the way.

When we meet like this, I may not
have the words, so let me say it now:
Nothing compares to the sensation
of being alive in the company of
another. It is God breathing on
the embers of our soul.

Stripped of causes and plans
and things to strive for,
I have discovered everything
I could need or ask for
is right here—
in flawed abundance.

We cannot eliminate hunger,
but we can feed each other.
We cannot eliminate loneliness,
but we can hold each other.
We cannot eliminate pain,
but we can live a life
of compassion.

Ultimately,
we are small living things
awakened in the stream,
not gods who carve out rivers.

Like human fish,
we are asked to experience
meaning in the life that moves
through the gill of our heart.

There is nothing to do
and nowhere to go.
Accepting this,
we can do everything
and go anywhere.

—Mark Nepo

We are still in Virgo Season, nestling into the small details of our lives and our spiritual journey.  The natural world beckons to us with seven planets in Earth signs, helping us to find our footing and rebalance. 

I love the imagery of this poem which describe so beautifully the process of emotional healing and growth.  Feeling fully alive and being able to stand naked in the presence of another, vulnerable and connected. Letting go of our need to fix the world and living a life of compassion that can make the small differences that ultimately transform everything. Experiencing meaning in all of life, letting the feelings and thoughts come and go. Settling into the freedom of total acceptance and freedom. 

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