I am so happy to repost this prayer from my friend Robyn Harrison, who generously agreed to let me share this poignant poem she wrote several years ago. The gorgeous photograph above is one of hers as well. She says she pulls this poem out each year, dusts it off, changes the date, and reads it again. The message is indeed timeless, and the idea of writing yourself a song is so beautiful…beautiful, as you are.
A Song To Myself ~ New Year Prayer
What will the new year bring for me?
For those who touch me?
What will this nation and the world endure?
What will we all look like and sound like when it is done?
I stand in the open doorway,
bowing to what was, what is, and what will be.
I embrace the honor of living the mystery of this next year.
As I meet every challenge every pain and every joy may I —
Remember to appreciate the good – to see and to recognize and celebrate the inherent beauty of life.
Be always cognizant of the great privilege and responsibility of living.
May I at all times show compassion and respect for myself and for all others.
May I be mindful of the Earth and all that dwells here.
May I choose my words carefully, remembering the damage they can cause.
May I always find the time and the strength to be quiet
to be still and to listen.
May I choose kind acts rather than angry gestures.
May I daily reach within myself to claim the goodness that is born there.
May I strive to be wise and thoughtful in all things.
May I not want more than I truly need
and with my surplus may I be generous.
May I be equally attentive to the needs of my physical being as to those of my consciousness.
May I learn to make a joyful noise.
At the close of every day may I comfortably own my every deed.
And when I am bowing at the portal of the new year next —
if that is my destiny — may I find that I have grown
positively and illuminated faithfully
my own unique light
upon my modest space in the universe.
Namaste
Amen
Photo credit: Colorful city bench by Robyn Harrison
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Robyn Harrison is a photographer and poet. Having spent most of her life battling mental illness, she found her balance and her voice while living on the beach in the Outer Banks of NC. Moving across state to the mountains, she now joyfully resides in Asheville, NC. She designed her own greeting card line which combines her short verse poetry with her photography, with net profits donated to help those struggling with mental health issues in the Western North Carolina area.
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An Old Story With New Life
Perfect. Thank you to Robyn, and to Elizabeth, for lifting us on our way into a year full of such mindful choices and possibilities!
Thank you Mimi. I’m so very glad you like my piece. Happy new year to you.
Oh, Mimi, it always lifts my spirits to see your name pop in here. I so appreciate your taking the time to comment on Robyn’s beautiful piece. Happy New Year, my friend!
For some reason the link on Mimi’s name isn’t working from my end, but I hope readers will go visit her blog too: http://thegoodnessgrows.com/ [It’s working now…for some reason WordPress didn’t want us to include the www in the URL]
Thank you for your thoughts & kind words Esther Miller & Karen Sanderson. It means much to me to know that my words & thoughts & feelings resonate with others. May we all have a positive peaceful & loving 2014 – & May we sail easily through the trying times that regularly come our way through the act of living our lives. Much love to all.
Esther – I think that was my second favorite, though it’s hard to pick a “favorite” among these ideas. They are all good.
I am truly touched by your kind words. Thank you so very much.
Thank you Elizabeth for featuring my work in Heartspoken. It is quite an honor for me. I will be very busy the next couple of months as I get my Sand and Earth Woman greeting card line ready for its full launch. It is a vision I’ve had for 2 years & how sweet it is to be making real progress at last. Much love to you & all your readers in this new year.
“May I choose kind acts rather than angry gestures” is the part I needed to see. Great way to start the new year,.
Thanks so much, Esther. I think we ALL need this part at one time or another. I think you do better than most when it comes to spreading acts of kindness. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I hear you Esther. This is one I need to remind myself of often. It sometimes comes way too easily for me to quickly react w/anger rather than taking a deep breath & a different approach. I’m really glad my words have touched you. Thank you.
How wonderful. “May I learn to make a joyful noise” is my favorite part, but I love the whole thing. The poem is full of good reminders for us all. And I love the photo!
I love that part too, Karen. I knew you and Esther would appreciate this. Robyn grew up in Shenandoah County, and it’s been a joy to see her claim her creativity and talent in such beautiful ways. Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Readers: don’t miss Karen Sanderson’s blog The Word Shark: http://www.thewordshark.com/.
Thank you for your kind words Karen. I recently acquired a pixie harp & have found it is a wonderful relaxing & satisfying way to make a joyful noise. The photo was taken in an area of Asheville called the River Arts District. It is rich with color & there is always something new happening there – & it’s only a 5 min walk from my home & one of my favorite places to walk. Sometimes I sit & rest on this bench. I’m glad you like the photo.
PERFECT!
Thanks, Kelly! I thought so too, and really appreciate your reading and commenting. I love what you’re doing on YOUR blog too: http://lifeofadailypainter.com/
Happy New Year!
Thanks so very much Kelly. I’m glad you like my piece. Hope you have an amazing 2914 – I’m planning to.