I was talking yesterday with a friend whose daughter is undergoing medical treatments; my friend was finding it very hard to stay present; her thoughts were racing ahead to horrible outcomes, and she was finding it difficult to be positive for herself and for her daughter.
She told me about all the things she's worried about, and then at a certain point I asked, "What is your body feeling?" She started to tell me about her symptoms of dis-regulation—her poor digestion and sleep.
"But what are you feeling under those symptoms?" I asked, and then something in our conversation shifted.
Soon my friend was crying, and I was crying too; we were both crying because of our enormous love for our children—and for the world.
Our tears cleared something, and we both felt lighter. I felt confident that my friend was more able to handle the situation and be there for herself and her daughter.
Often, when we think of presence, we think of being in a state of equanimity. But to be truly present, we need to be able to be with everything that is arising, even fear and discomfort.
Whether the challenge is personal or political, we can find a true vision and path forward only from a place of presence. This seems particularly important in these times.
I'm so grateful for mindfulness practices, somatic practices, and also for poetry for helping me find a path to presence and vision.
The study and writing of poetry has taught me, again and again, to slow down, to pay attention, and to find beauty and appreciation, whatever is around me, in sorrow and in joy.
Today, I invite you to make space for whatever you're feeling under the surface and sit with it. Be gentle and curious and honor whatever arises.
I also want to invite you to join me for a five-day immersive poetry workshop on presence and vision at Omega next fall. There is something really special about being together in person for an in-depth experience like this.
And, finally, I want to share (below) a beautiful poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins on this topic.
In-Person 5-Day Retreat: Presence and Vision Poetry Retreat at Omega in Rhinebeck, NY - September 28th-October 3rd
a glimpse out the window of our retreat space last fall at Omega, with a few questions we explored in the retreat taped to the glass; I hope you'll join our circle of writers this coming fall <3
Together, we'll immerse ourselves in the power of poetry. We'll enjoy close readings of poems by Joy Harjo, Audre Lorde, Mary Oliver, and others; tap into the deep wisdom of the body to create from a place of integration and insight; and connect and get inspired by other writers as we discuss our writing in a supportive space.
Return home with new poems and a revitalized sense of agency to incorporate into your personal practice or share with students and clients. Learn more and join the retreat here.
Finally, a Poem for you:
Spring and Fall by Gerard Manley Hopkins
to a young child
Márgarét, áre you gríeving
Over Goldengrove unleaving?
Leáves like the things of man, you
With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?
Ah! ás the heart grows older
It will come to such sights colder
By and by, nor spare a sigh
Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;
And yet you wíll weep and know why.
Now no matter, child, the name:
Sórrow’s spríngs áre the same.
Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed
What heart heard of, ghost guessed:
It ís the blight man was born for,
It is Margaret you mourn for.
*
Whatever season we are in, let's remember both the beauty and the ephemeral nature of our world and cherish it.
May we live in peace.
with love,
Nadia
PS: If you're looking for a multi-genre online writing class that will also help develop presence and vision, I'd love to see you in Align Your Story. See more and join the waitlist here.
PPS: If you are looking for a list of resources to use your voice and take action in these times to defend our democracy and make a more equitable, healthier world, please just email me at nadia@nadiacolburn.com, and I'm happy to share it with you. (Thanks to the Align Collective for compiling the list!)