#MicroPoetry|October ’19 Reflections

One way to reframe conventional understandings of success is that it is not the goal, but the journey in which we thrive and discover life fully. This is indeed wisdom worth sharing. I also appreciate the idea that the goal is not about attainment for the sake of recognition, but to realise that from each peak attained there are others that line the horizon beckoning us to be more than an accomplishment. This vistas is a series of moments in which we awaken to that which is so much larger than we are, and yet to which we are intimately bound.

“Moving mountains.” It’s a metaphor, it’s a virtue, its intention is to foster effort and sacrifice to do that which is often considered impossible. The phrase is often used in the context of the individual overcoming obstacles that make the goal or outcome seem all but doomed. In this verse, I am playing with the phrase and exploring what it might mean to imagine this as the burden of one, but an opportunity for the many.

Legacies are funny things. When I take the time to think about them, I find I consider them in regard to either collective decisions, such as Canadian Medicare or the Residential School system, or financial matters, such as trust and bequests. In this poetic musing, I found myself considering them in light of things we do which are not necessarily remember, but continue because of the way we treated another. That choice, therefore, might affect that person who then makes similar choices. In general, I wonder if legacies are like ripples of choices that have no ‘cause,’ yet simply cascade through our lives.

The inner journey is about many things and influences us in ways that are quite profound. This work builds both resilience, as well as foster an emboldened sense of purpose. This purpose is not about being right and convincing others of whatever that conviction is, but allows us to be present in the midst of hurt, trauma and pain. This inner peace – if you will – takes intention and work and is one of the key gifts that models compassion and kindness to those who are in need of recognising in themselves holy beauty.

Words are beautiful and can inspire people to be the change for which we might long. Yet words, alone, often fall short to maintain focus or commitment to a cause or discipline. Those who lead, ultimately, model by what they do after words have been used. Without the doing, often our words become, at the best, slogans, and at the worst, propaganda. All who endeavour to lead, therefore, should pause not only before they use precious words, but consider how powerful what they model speaks to a world longing for ethical and just direction.

What are the moments that have taught you the most?
What has the role of challenge been in wisdom’s revelation?
There can be no denying that we all strive for peace, hope and harmony. We enjoy play, relaxation and humour. Yet the gifts of these moments often become richer, more meaningful and further appreciated as we engage in life in moments of trial. Sometimes this is in the moment itself or as an opportunity for reflection. This verse attempts to explore the gifts of wisdom that often arise when we would rather have a calm walk, as opposed to an unexpected jarring path.

What we sing into the world is that which we will hear more of.
What we pay attention to is what we will see more of.
In this musing. I am hoping to invite us into a place to reflect on what we preference in order to remind us that what we see is what we get. And – if we do not like the results we are getting – where might we need to turn our attention to begin to?

Our journeys begin in vulnerability and frailty. We also undertake the task with tenacity and resilience, curiosity and wonder. It is a shame that too often these defining characteristics can give way to pessimism and cynicism. This verse explores life’s journey and endeavours to remind us of the gift this path of living is.