A Reflection on New Beginnings

...a pandemic, humanitarian injustices, political and spiritual divisions, poverty, loneliness, death. While we do not live in a perfect world, we are reminded in this new year, that there is always the possibility for growth, for change, for more compassion, love, and hope.

I pray that we are mindful of the possibilities that await us, and trust that our hearts and souls will guide us toward a world that is once again healed, unified, and transformed.

May we always be blessed with the gift of new beginnings.

FOR A NEW BEGINNING
In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time, it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
-John O'Donohue