poetry, candles, gratitude, and a special day
I am spending time with the words of David Whyte, specifically the poems in his book Where Many Rivers Meet. The first poem in this collection, “Enough,” is the one that I keep reading over and over. It is short, only a few lines, but it resonates deeply this week. A brief snippet from the poem:
This opening to the life
we have refused
again and again
until now.
I have again explored Whyte’s website and listened to him read “The Journey.” Take a moment and go hear him read this poem (just scroll down for the audio file). I read this poem a few months ago and it had one meaning for me. Last night, another meaning was revealed. I love this about poetry. You can take a few moments out of your day to read a poem, and your perspective on life, yourself, a relationship, a moment, the world around you, and on and on can shift just a bit. And the poem might even be an old friend, but it reveals something new to you.
I am lighting the candles I bought over the weekend from Carla’s online shop Zena Moon. The scent of these candles is delicious yet subtle. If you know you like the scent of sage for example, I am sure you will like the candles with sage in them. All five candles (and the one she gave us for free) smell incredible. But the part that means the most to me is that when she makes them, she makes them with a specific intention. So I have been burning the healing candle, and today I will burn the boundaries candle (I am learning that if there is ever a time you need to set boundaries it is when you are ill – may this be one of the many lessons that stays with me through this experience).
I am thankful for the friends and family who have reached out to me through emails and phone calls (and comments of course). It is such a blessing to have someone let go of saying platitudes and just say, “I know this is hard, and no matter what happens, I am here.” Because really, when you are scared about your health, that is all you want someone to say. That and “this just sucks” because it does. From the way I have been treated through this process (by my HMO) to the uncertainty ahead, it just sucks. (But I am happy to report that we have found an incredible new primary care physician. She is listening to me, and her job isn’t “just her job.” She understands that her job deals with people’s lives and fears and health.)
I am blessed to be sharing my life with an amazing man who is my husband and my friend. Today is our fourth anniversary. (Happy Anniversary sweetie!) I sometimes just can’t believe I am married (I really thought I would never marry) and that I am married to someone who is so kind and who truly honors the woman I am and the woman I am growing into. We continue to navigate through communicating as partners and learning together. And through bumps and miscommunication and laughter and care and silliness and love and looking into one another’s eyes, we are finding our way.
poetry
Reader Comments (21)
The fact that he truly honors the woman you are growing into, and not just the woman he first met is extra special. Happy Anniversary.
Happy anniversary Liz and Jon!
I am a fan of David Wyte as well.
It is truly good to hear from you today. I'll continue to hold you close as you work through this.
i can't wait to take a moment to hear d.whyte's voice. i love him. he is so deep, soulful, and introspective.
happy anniversary to you!
Happy Anniversary to you both!
Power is about to go out so I need to get off the computer before following your link to listen.
I love poetry: to read and write it as much as I love to create visual art.
I'm new here. You sound as if you're ill. My thoughts are with you for a positive outcome.
Dear Liz,
I've been hanging about here on the fringes for some time, but having read through the last several posts I wanted to comment about the grace in which you are dealing with the unknown (not to mention the troubled HMO system). In the midst, you are reaching out to the spirit of your grandmother and surrounding yourself with loved ones whom you wrap in gratitude. I am in Tacoma, as well, so my good thoughts for you are not far away. much peace, deborah
Happy Anniversary, Liz! You are an amazing woman and you have not only found, but created (!) amazing love.
i am wishing you peace and healing and happiness--today and everyday.
love you,
j.
I love David Whyte. I found him on the shelves in my office; my office mate had 2 of his books and then I bought one.
I've been thinking of you everyday Liz. Enjoy your anniversary, you deserve to have a nice evening and I'm hopeful that your new doctor will find answers for you. You are in my thoughts.
:)
~Dana.
Liz, on such a day of playing with lies and their poetic truths, I land on your site this Poetry Thursday, and yes, yes, yes, all about being true, grateful.
You are looking for, and finding, all the right spaces. And yes, happiness for you on your anniversary!
Happy anniversary, Liz.
Thanks for David Whyte...and thanks for YOU.
Liz, thank you so much for sharing BOTH of these links. I listened to the poem twice, and it was soothing to me in those moments.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and your beloved. I do hope that you spent some sweet and beautiful time together today.
Continuing to send healing thoughts and prayers to you.
xoxoxoxoxo
The HMO thing pisses me off, for you personally and for everyone else they jerk around. Gggrrr... I'm glad you've found a doctor you're happy with though. That's big. Still sending good thoughts your way~~~~~
And Happy Anniversary to you and J!
This demonstrates the worth of poetry doesn't- brings us out of ourselves and our lives long enougth to send us back with new eyes. Happy Anniversary!
Thinking of you--hope all is well and happy anniversary!
--D.--
Thanks so much for these links ... I loved hearing his voice. I am always excited to find a new place for candles. I like the way Jessie talked about the love you and Hubby have not just found but created. Such a beautiful way to express it. Even more love and happiness to you as you cleebrate your anniversary.
Breathing a sigh of relief here. I am so happy for you and your husband both. :)
Peace,
-chani
I've been reading back through your blogs and trying to catch up on all that is happening in your life. First, let me say that I am so glad you got to experience such an incredible time with such incredible women. I have no doubt it was full of life-altering moments for you all. Secondly, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how incredibly frustrating doctors and insurance can be and I hope that you find more support from your new doctor. I will continue praying for your health and healing, and I will be back to check on you soon.
Lots of love,
TD
Happy Anniversary to both of you! When I met you two, as you sat in my living room, I thought this is a very special couple who shares real and true love and I wish you two many, many more years of happiness and health and adventures together. AND it does SUCK that you are having to deal with this health scare. Hopefully it is the best case scenario Liz and many, many thoughts of light and warmth and love are being sent to you from down here in Oregon. And it is times like these that you find out who your true friends and who really just pays lip service. The friends who put new business ventures, daily scrappings, or even job or relationship woes before a friend who is struggling with the uncertaintly of a health scare can be quite disappointing, but I am so glad that there are those who are making it clear how much you mean to them and this crazy, precious world of ours. The world needs the one and only Liz so you better get healthy very quickly! In the meantime, tear open that mean looking hot cocoa and don't skimp on the toppings! Thats an order!
Happy Anniversary. Sending healing thoughts your way.
beautiful post
and happy anniversary!
:)
Oooooh! I love David Whyte. I am working my way through his CD set called Clear Mind, Wild Heart right now and can highly recommend them too.
Happy Anniversary to you both.
Love and sunshine.
Leonie