I've just returned from a conference at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Monterey, CA with poet David Whyte. In this beautiful setting by the sea, poetry, song, and fierce Pacific storm all came together to create a space of wild beauty—inside and out.
When we learned that two men were swept out to sea by the storm driven waves that rose higher than normal onto the land, we all joined for a few moments of silence to honor them.
"Half a Shade Braver" was the title of this conference for the weekend. We were all asked to contemplate ways in which, in our daily lives, we could be just a little bit more brave than before. It's not required of us that we be super heroes or even change dramatically.
What one act can I take or make today to believe more in myself and my power to help a world crying for love and peace?
I can begin with a poem:
My poem is an offering
to the pearls of rain
suspended
on soft green needles.
The fragrance perfumes sea air.
A gentle face
into a fierce storm
where waves unleash
their fury on the sand
and sweep the unwary
into their embrace.
These waters—
salt and fresh—
become one
as I breathe
how they join together
While I cannot speak,
in this silence
a fire warms my body,
music my heart.
My voice is here,
in the pines crooked branches
sheltering the hummingbird,
in the raven's call,
and gulls curved wings.
Last night
the wind knocked at my door
Who called me?
This morning
I will listen.