I read daily, in bed, for an hour or so before escaping to dreamland. Apart from novels or essays on the go, I keep a stack of books close by to dip into when dark clouds need lifting. One such book is John O’Donohue’s ‘Anam Cara.’ (Bantam Press 1997)
Frequently, these days, my sarcastic imp dominates, and I’m deaf to wisdom, even my own. That said, I respect imps; they cut through the bullshit ignorant people spout around the globe. However, to tune down this sharp wit takes a firm request for silence. When I manage, the imp cuddles up, like my cat used to cuddle up every time I sat quiet.
I call it soul remembrance. You might try and trick your little imp into silence, if only to soften the heart enough to receive this blessing by John O’Donohue …
A BLESSING
May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and those who see and receive your work.
May work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings and refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evenings find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you
my boy – used as poster for a workshop once
* * *
I want to also share a joy. The poetry editor of Queen Mobs, Joe Linker, has published two of my early poems yesterday. A wonderful perk …
… https://queenmobs.com/2019/05/poems-photographs-ashen-venema/
Course of Mirrors 
Thank you Ashen for sharing this joyful blessing today and links to your own inspiring poetry. “Anam Cara” is one of my favourite books ever! The beauty and grace held within it’s poetical pages is deeply joyful to me. I followed the link to your own poems too and really enjoyed them. Your words and images are a true marriage. As a introverted poet myself I too work quietly away in the background. Thank goodness for personal blogs! Love & light, Deborah.
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John O’Donohue, a true soul friend. So pleased you also treasure his legacy. Your own poems shine with the Celtic spirit that finds guidance and divinity in nature. I’m pleased you like my early poems. Blessings, and thank you.
I chose Cara as name for the soul friend of my protagonist in Course of Mirrors, and the creator of her myth.
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Such a lovely blessing to share with beloved hearts. Thank you! xxxxxx
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Thank you, Jean. These days even a true blessing must pass through the swing-door of our ambivalent minds about spiritual reality to be received by the heart.
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Such a sweet blessing!
Delighted your poems have been published. They are wonderful.
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Thank you, Inese. And I’m pleased you like the published poems ☼
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Gossamer blessings are beautiful as they tangle into the mind of unsuspecting characters such as myself.
Thankyou Ashen. B
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Lovely to have a sign from you. Here to blessed entanglements ☼
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A lovely blessing, Ashen. Thank you for sharing it. Congratulations on your poems!
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Thank you, Barbara. ☼
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What a lovely blessing. Thank you, and congratulations on the publication of your poems.
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Thank you, Cath ☼
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Ashen, this is a book that is constantly by my bedside, that I will dip into now and then! A beautiful blessing that is full of calming wisdom.
Congratulations on your two poems over at Queen Mobs! I had no idea you were a professional photographer – how exciting and a varied life you’ve led and are leading. Is that you in the photograph as a child? Wonderful poem, capturing so many nuances of the young girl, family and the wider political situation.
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Thanks, Annika. Always lovely to find others who appreciate John O’Donohue.
The image of the child with the poems published at Queen Mobs is me, yes, taken by my dad on my first school day. Of course, a cowl doesn’t make a monk (saint) 🙂
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