The sun begins its journey north
as days slowly lengthen
yet hope is scarce,
a sense of dread
weighs upon the people.
Words can help but not to heal,
something older must be found.
Beneath the earth strength gathers
dark in stone lined caves,
not the time of rising but of rest.
Ice can break the oldest trees
but within their roots
the force of spring awaits.
Go down with the rivers,
the deep peace of evergreen.
Restore from the root
and let the well of darkness fill.
What must come will find its way
as we follow the path of winter.
photograph by Patrick Orleman
Gathering strength for the challenges ahead.
“Beneath the earth the strength gathers”….that is the key…the natural process must be respected.
I saw a recent picture of Multomah Falls frozen completely from top to bottom (at least on the surface) like a brilliant crystalline sculpture…
A frozen waterfall…is an image that reminds me we are in the season of stillness.. May the waters of our being rest for a time..and just be.
Ahhh, so calming, so natural, so lovely…thank you.
Thanks Don – you say so simply the teachings of the winter.
Don, again you mine the deep heart of our Being to reflect into our mind and life the truth of what actually is. Thank you.
From another source:” Rest in natural great peace, this exhausted mind, beaten helpless by karma and neurotic thought, like the relentless fury of the pounding waves in the infinite ocean of samsara. Rest, Rest in natural great peace.” – Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche
My response is a deep breathing in, a breathless pause, and a near silent release,,, with a whisper of gratitude.
Oh, so many levels to “what must come will find it’s way”. In this time of rest, I chose to make space for what change may come. And to honor the stillness of this season of heavy snow that keeps me here, in the warmth of home.
Being Still is the Welcome to All of the Beauty and Creativity Possible and Present in the Unknown, at the Root Always…….I Move by Listening First to the Silence……Here is the Direction…..for Peace on Earth…..There is Nothing Complicated in this Place of Love…….
Oh, yum! Full of rich image and an intense current. I wish I’d written this!
Thanks for this one, Don.
The hidden promise.
Thank you for your gifts, shared in such a fine way.
A poignant & accurate description of the current creative cycle in the Northern Hemisphere, to which we are intrinsically bound. Wisdom calls me to surrender to this!
A wonderful poem to the dark-enigma womb of winter, the source that makes things green.
This was lovely thanks Don