One of my favorite poems is Mary Oliver‘s Instructions for Living A Life. I’ve used it often to remind myself of, and to invite others to, some values-based simplicity and practice.
Writes Oliver,
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
Yes.
This morning, I found my journaling to have a similar tone. Of reminder and of invitation.
More Instructions for Living A Life (thx Mary Oliver)
No defaulting (or try to reduce it)
to someone else’s pain, suffering, or limits.
Compassion, yes.
Understanding, yes.
Kindness, yes.
A helping hand that goes the extra mile, yes.
But don’t live loyal to something not yours.
Beware of that unconscious yet persistent recruitment.
Get on with the wonder that is.
