Mary Oliver A thought on Meditation

What I Have Learned So Far

Meditation is old and honorable, so why should I
not sit, every morning of my life, on the hillside,
looking into the shining world?  Because, properly
attended to, delight, as well as havoc, is suggestion.
Can one be passionate about the just, the
ideal, the sublime, and the holy, and yet commit
to no labor in its cause?  I don't think so.

All summations have a beginning, all effect has a
story, all kindness begins with the sown seed.
Thought buds toward radiance.  The gospel of
light is the crossroads of -- indolence, or action.

Be ignited, or be gone.

~ Mary Oliver ~

(New and Selected Poems Volume Two)

****************************************************

This poem was lifted right from the website penhala.net

Check it out.

More Love Songs for Valentine's Week

Lyrics: Fill The World With Love
 from Good-bye Mr. Chips

In the morning of my life I shall look to the sunrise.
At a moment in my life when the world is new.
And the blessing I shall ask is that God will grant me,
To be brave and strong and true, 
And to fill the world with love my whole life through.

In the noontime of my life I shall look to the sunshine,
At a moment in my life when the sky is blue.
And the blessing I shall ask shall remain unchanging.
To be brave and strong and true,
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

In the evening of my life I shall look to the sunset,
At a moment in my life when the night is due.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer.
Was I brave and strong and true?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

(Chorus)
And to fill the world with love
And to fill the world with love
And to fill the world with love my whole life through.

********************************************
Do take a moment and try to find a visual, experiential version of this
uplifting song, sung by Petula Clark as well as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

**********************************************************

To love another person is to see the face of God. 
                                            - Victor Hugo

February means Valentine's Day, and Love

I think Beth Nielsen Chapman is one of the finest wordsmith poets of our generation.   She is a genius, IMHO.  So, in honor of love, here are some of her famous lyrics.   If you want a real treat, download her songs, or at least listen to her singing them.  You will be touched deeply.

How We Love 

Life has taught me this;
Everyday is new,
And if anything is true,
All that matters when we're through

  is how we love.
Faced with what we lack
Some things fall apart,
But from the ashes new dreams start;
All that matters to the heart 

  is how we love.

Chorus:
How we love, how we love,
With the smallest act of kindness
In a word, a smile, a touch.

In spite of our mistakes
Chances come again,
If we lose or if we win
All that matters in the end

 is how we love

Chorus:
How we love, how we love
I will not forget your kindness
When I needed it so much.

Sometimes we forget,
Trying to be so strong
In this world of right and wrong,
All that matters when we're gone
All that mattered all along
All we have that carries on... 

  is how we love.

The Path Of Love

Oh the path of love is deep 

  with a thousand twists and turns,
There are promises to keep, 

  there are endless things to learn.
Through the laughter and the tears

  sometimes lost, sometimes alone,
Letting go is how you steer, 

 and it always leads you home.

Oh the path of love is free, 

  it will never hold you back.
Like the branches of a tree, 

  reaching out till it's lost track.
And it opens wide each heart 

  like the seed that breaks the stone,
No matter where you are, 

  it will always lead you home.

Oh the path of love is true, 

  and it only wants what's best,
There are doors it pulls us through 

  as it puts us to the test.
And there's nothing to pretend,

  in our heart somehow we've known
The path of love won't end, no 

  it only leads us home.
The path of love won't end, it only leads us home.

   Beth Nielsen Chapman