Wow.I really enjoyed your thoughtful poem and passed it on to my daughter in college who deals with anxiety. (Don’t we all?) I hope you won’t mind, as a writer. I wonder if the “on” is supposed to be a “one” before “note?” I will read more of your work. It’s delightful.
Yes, I realized the typo and it is correct on the website version now. I'm glad you felt it might be of help and use for your daughter. I agree, haven't we all experienced the push back that fear and anxiety can present in our lives. There are those that have to navigate a more profound expression in their lives, I have known others with very serious anxiety disorder issues and its a difficult and painful journey at times. I'm grateful its become more recognized and there is more support for those who deal with profound anxiety. But it is true, that we all have our own experience and negotiating to do, because we choose fear or love on a daily basis. I'm so grateful to hear the poetry has been helpful. that's the best compliment you could ever give a poet :-)
Thank you. The lines about fear as a growling one-note animal will stay with me. Compared to a meditative or grandmas hum in my ear I am pondering what note fear plays in my head. Your poetry always paints deep and abiding pictures for me. I look forward to each one!
Fear of failure is one I often have, as probably do many other people. The fear that I won't do something well, or will look stupid, or will be rejected. Many times, this fear comes from old messages given to me when I was a child. But as an adult, I've come to expect fear like this, especially when I'm pushing my creative envelope or being vulnerable. In fact, if I don't sense it, I wonder if I'm taking on enough of a challenge. So I recognize the fear, but try not to let it control me. I let my passion move through it and express itself through creative, vulnerable action. Passion, compassion, and at times even outrage at injustice helps me transcend fear.
Hi Michael, I think you’ve articulated a very common fear for so many of us human beings. Thank you with your insights and vulnerability to post. Yes I think artistically if nothing I’m doing feels risky I’m probably not pushing my artistic edges finer. I think it’s one of the good things about having a few years of experience on these matters. I’ve been times when I took a risk. I was so glad I did, and it turned out all right. There’s been times when I took a risk and it didn’t work out the way I planned, and I didn’t crumble in the dust :-) but recognizing that push back is definitely a part of the human journey and the artistic process.
I love that image of the card with the unicorn. I know someone who wears a piece of jewelry or a necklace that symbolizes wholeness and affirms who she most wants to be. It helps her when that internal push back happens. And I like that, we all come up with our own ways to be kind to ourselves, and give ourselves encouragement.
Since I met my friend, Lee, at our Hospice training in 1996, she called me “baby girl.” I don’t know why; I m older than she is, although she’s taller and larger. Lee as she was is no longer available. She voluntarily put herself in dementia care when she realized she wouldn’t get better, a brave move as others there were much more advanced in the illness. For all these years, though, when I’m troubled, I hear my inner conversations to myself starting with “Baby girl,” and I smile.
Oh cyntcha, what a powerful story. And yes, your friend was wise very brave. I’ve come to believe that every single one of us has done things that are so inspiring and incredibly brave. I think it’s the nature of living… Having your firm, her wisdom and bravery was very touching, and I thank you for the story. I also love that you hear her voice and that wonderful quote, baby girl“ when you need it.
Oh cyntcha, what a powerful story. And yes, your friend was wise very brave. I’ve come to believe that every single one of us has done things that are so inspiring and incredibly brave. I think it’s the nature of living… Having your firm, her wisdom and bravery was very touching, and I thank you for the story. I also love that you hear her voice and that wonderful quote, baby girl“ when you need it.
One of the many ways I have been drawn to your music and light and substance, Carrie, is captured right here-in this poem (reflecting on the Master Hafiz) and in your question. I so appreciate that I can experience your wisdom and guidance along with Parker Palmer.
It just so happens that at age 70 (and my beloved at age 68) made a decision to leave Indiana (again) and to follow an inner urge to return back to Tennessee and to continue to offer my story and skills to a company that champions growth and spirituality. (Onsite Workshops). The inspiration came quickly and it felt right to follow it even though the fear creature that can stand at the base of my limbic system chattered away at ll the reasons that makes no sense.
I met Parker Palmer through a friend and his book "Let Your Life Speak" in 2010. Then 57 years old. I held a Masters Degree in Social Work from I.U. and had a successful career for over 30 years. Parker's words elevated me to do something else-something that made no sense at my age and financially. Fear said stay put. I laughed at that "farting camel" (shout out to you Hafiz). And then matriculated to Naropa University in 2012-finished my M.Div at ILIFF Theology School in 2015. Parker came to Naropa more than once while I was there and I was privileged to sit in a contemplative space with him.
In 2017 my beloved and I were able to be with you and Parker in. concert in Indianapolis at a Methodist Church. Again such a privilege.
Sharing a lot here so please forgive the long answer. Thank you Carrie. I look forward to your release soon and will continue to join in this community.
Hi Rick, thank you for your beautiful post. Yes, I so appreciate your description of the fear animal at the base of the limbic system. There’s so much compassion and understanding in that description. We all have a part of ourselves down deep in that limbic system that wants to keep us safe. It has its purpose… We learn, very young not to touch a hot stone because it will burn us. And yet like us more than just staying safe, packed whole environment, life will require that we step out and trust, and faith, listening to our true self, and the souls imperative. I will hold you in the light and I wish you well in this new endeavor in Tennessee. It sounds like an amazing and beautiful way to start your 71st year :-)
Your poem inspires this thought in me: less fear is good, progress is divine when I can notice it. Yes, I was mildly afraid, mildly not at my best. How wonderful that it wasn’t the big fear of years past. Today there is delight in progress, that it is enough, that I am enough.
I appreciate you describing how there’s still fear, but that you recognize it and work with differently than you did in years past. I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask human beings to not have fear. We will inevitably experience pushback for all kinds of reasons, but we don’t have to “ be“ the fear. So much wisdom and compassion in your post. Thx. experience.
Carrie, Thank you! Your thoughts prompted me to take a step forward in dealing with a fear I have carried for a long time. As I wrote them out to get them out of my head, I was blessed with a message.
“There is still time,” the light says. “There is still time,” love promises.
My mind pauses, “Are you sure?”
My heart over rules. It has heard reassurance in the fluttering of wings. “Even as this autumn air urges all that grew and gave to let go of the life it had, let the damaged fruit fear produced fall from the vine. Let it become the ground that will yield a plentiful harvest in the season to come.”
What a wonderful, insightful post. Thank you so much for sharing it. There is a fear that comes with a sense of limited time. and yet there is a curious promise to limited time. It is an encouragement to live fully into the quiet and vibrant promise of now. There is a difference that happens when we are present in the Now, because we’re afraid, and the presence we embrace in the Now because we are encouraged and inspired. Thanks again for the thoughtful post on your beautiful words.
Oh, I William, that is my favorite psalm, I can speak it by heart, and it is been a great comfort., … Lo thought I walk through the valley of the shadow, I fear no evil. For you are with me”. What a gift, the poems and songs in spiritual Works that are a reminder, of a great wild mercy, always abiding always present.
Thank you Olga. I hold you in the light of this anniversary. Those we love are never truly gone, but abide in our hearts and in those quiet moments of remembering. Someone told me once that when someone we love passes it’s not as if the relationship ends. It does not end, but it does transform. sometimes it sounds like the flutter of wings.
Wow.I really enjoyed your thoughtful poem and passed it on to my daughter in college who deals with anxiety. (Don’t we all?) I hope you won’t mind, as a writer. I wonder if the “on” is supposed to be a “one” before “note?” I will read more of your work. It’s delightful.
Yes, I realized the typo and it is correct on the website version now. I'm glad you felt it might be of help and use for your daughter. I agree, haven't we all experienced the push back that fear and anxiety can present in our lives. There are those that have to navigate a more profound expression in their lives, I have known others with very serious anxiety disorder issues and its a difficult and painful journey at times. I'm grateful its become more recognized and there is more support for those who deal with profound anxiety. But it is true, that we all have our own experience and negotiating to do, because we choose fear or love on a daily basis. I'm so grateful to hear the poetry has been helpful. that's the best compliment you could ever give a poet :-)
Hafiz (and his "buddy" Rumi) always take me deeper and inspire/encourage/and challenge me. As do you.
Thank you. The lines about fear as a growling one-note animal will stay with me. Compared to a meditative or grandmas hum in my ear I am pondering what note fear plays in my head. Your poetry always paints deep and abiding pictures for me. I look forward to each one!
FEAR= False Evidence Appearing Real
Yes, many times fear or anxiety is based on lies, but it appears real. Other times, for me, fear has more of a basis in reality. Thanks for sharing.
Fear of failure is one I often have, as probably do many other people. The fear that I won't do something well, or will look stupid, or will be rejected. Many times, this fear comes from old messages given to me when I was a child. But as an adult, I've come to expect fear like this, especially when I'm pushing my creative envelope or being vulnerable. In fact, if I don't sense it, I wonder if I'm taking on enough of a challenge. So I recognize the fear, but try not to let it control me. I let my passion move through it and express itself through creative, vulnerable action. Passion, compassion, and at times even outrage at injustice helps me transcend fear.
Hi Michael, I think you’ve articulated a very common fear for so many of us human beings. Thank you with your insights and vulnerability to post. Yes I think artistically if nothing I’m doing feels risky I’m probably not pushing my artistic edges finer. I think it’s one of the good things about having a few years of experience on these matters. I’ve been times when I took a risk. I was so glad I did, and it turned out all right. There’s been times when I took a risk and it didn’t work out the way I planned, and I didn’t crumble in the dust :-) but recognizing that push back is definitely a part of the human journey and the artistic process.
Thank you, Carrie, for your precious reflection.
I'm often at the mercy of fear...
Now it's been a while I took the habit of taking a little card with me. It's decorated with an unicorn and I wrote on it little Patry I am with you.
It gives me a little bit of strengh.... 🤷🏻♀️
I love that image of the card with the unicorn. I know someone who wears a piece of jewelry or a necklace that symbolizes wholeness and affirms who she most wants to be. It helps her when that internal push back happens. And I like that, we all come up with our own ways to be kind to ourselves, and give ourselves encouragement.
Since I met my friend, Lee, at our Hospice training in 1996, she called me “baby girl.” I don’t know why; I m older than she is, although she’s taller and larger. Lee as she was is no longer available. She voluntarily put herself in dementia care when she realized she wouldn’t get better, a brave move as others there were much more advanced in the illness. For all these years, though, when I’m troubled, I hear my inner conversations to myself starting with “Baby girl,” and I smile.
Oh cyntcha, what a powerful story. And yes, your friend was wise very brave. I’ve come to believe that every single one of us has done things that are so inspiring and incredibly brave. I think it’s the nature of living… Having your firm, her wisdom and bravery was very touching, and I thank you for the story. I also love that you hear her voice and that wonderful quote, baby girl“ when you need it.
Oh cyntcha, what a powerful story. And yes, your friend was wise very brave. I’ve come to believe that every single one of us has done things that are so inspiring and incredibly brave. I think it’s the nature of living… Having your firm, her wisdom and bravery was very touching, and I thank you for the story. I also love that you hear her voice and that wonderful quote, baby girl“ when you need it.
One of the many ways I have been drawn to your music and light and substance, Carrie, is captured right here-in this poem (reflecting on the Master Hafiz) and in your question. I so appreciate that I can experience your wisdom and guidance along with Parker Palmer.
It just so happens that at age 70 (and my beloved at age 68) made a decision to leave Indiana (again) and to follow an inner urge to return back to Tennessee and to continue to offer my story and skills to a company that champions growth and spirituality. (Onsite Workshops). The inspiration came quickly and it felt right to follow it even though the fear creature that can stand at the base of my limbic system chattered away at ll the reasons that makes no sense.
I met Parker Palmer through a friend and his book "Let Your Life Speak" in 2010. Then 57 years old. I held a Masters Degree in Social Work from I.U. and had a successful career for over 30 years. Parker's words elevated me to do something else-something that made no sense at my age and financially. Fear said stay put. I laughed at that "farting camel" (shout out to you Hafiz). And then matriculated to Naropa University in 2012-finished my M.Div at ILIFF Theology School in 2015. Parker came to Naropa more than once while I was there and I was privileged to sit in a contemplative space with him.
In 2017 my beloved and I were able to be with you and Parker in. concert in Indianapolis at a Methodist Church. Again such a privilege.
Sharing a lot here so please forgive the long answer. Thank you Carrie. I look forward to your release soon and will continue to join in this community.
Hi Rick, thank you for your beautiful post. Yes, I so appreciate your description of the fear animal at the base of the limbic system. There’s so much compassion and understanding in that description. We all have a part of ourselves down deep in that limbic system that wants to keep us safe. It has its purpose… We learn, very young not to touch a hot stone because it will burn us. And yet like us more than just staying safe, packed whole environment, life will require that we step out and trust, and faith, listening to our true self, and the souls imperative. I will hold you in the light and I wish you well in this new endeavor in Tennessee. It sounds like an amazing and beautiful way to start your 71st year :-)
Thank you🥰
Your poem inspires this thought in me: less fear is good, progress is divine when I can notice it. Yes, I was mildly afraid, mildly not at my best. How wonderful that it wasn’t the big fear of years past. Today there is delight in progress, that it is enough, that I am enough.
I appreciate you describing how there’s still fear, but that you recognize it and work with differently than you did in years past. I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask human beings to not have fear. We will inevitably experience pushback for all kinds of reasons, but we don’t have to “ be“ the fear. So much wisdom and compassion in your post. Thx. experience.
Carrie, Thank you! Your thoughts prompted me to take a step forward in dealing with a fear I have carried for a long time. As I wrote them out to get them out of my head, I was blessed with a message.
“There is still time,” the light says. “There is still time,” love promises.
My mind pauses, “Are you sure?”
My heart over rules. It has heard reassurance in the fluttering of wings. “Even as this autumn air urges all that grew and gave to let go of the life it had, let the damaged fruit fear produced fall from the vine. Let it become the ground that will yield a plentiful harvest in the season to come.”
Yes, let it become.
What a wonderful, insightful post. Thank you so much for sharing it. There is a fear that comes with a sense of limited time. and yet there is a curious promise to limited time. It is an encouragement to live fully into the quiet and vibrant promise of now. There is a difference that happens when we are present in the Now, because we’re afraid, and the presence we embrace in the Now because we are encouraged and inspired. Thanks again for the thoughtful post on your beautiful words.
Thank you and yes... the promise of that now moment is forever a part of me...❤️
Oh Carrie! What a beautiful poem! What a blessing you are to share your work! Always delightful and insightful! Thank you!
Thx you mary!
Thank you, dear Carrie. Remaining open to possibilities gives life life ;)
Yes so true my friend.
I like "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."
Oh, I William, that is my favorite psalm, I can speak it by heart, and it is been a great comfort., … Lo thought I walk through the valley of the shadow, I fear no evil. For you are with me”. What a gift, the poems and songs in spiritual Works that are a reminder, of a great wild mercy, always abiding always present.
Today is the eleventh anniversary of my dad's passing.
So when I read the following lines, I felt them giving me comfort:
'Like a heart when it hears the one voice Its been waiting forever to hear
A flash of what angels must sound like
When they are pass by
So near
As they do often do. '
Thank you.
Thank you Olga. I hold you in the light of this anniversary. Those we love are never truly gone, but abide in our hearts and in those quiet moments of remembering. Someone told me once that when someone we love passes it’s not as if the relationship ends. It does not end, but it does transform. sometimes it sounds like the flutter of wings.