John O’Donohue on Noticing

I hadn’t known about the priest-poet John O’Donohue until I read this post by Michelle Francl-Donnay.  The poem “A Blessing for One Who is Exhausted” might have been inspired by the Examen.

Take refuge in your senses, open up

To all the small miracles you rushed through.

Become inclined to watch the way of rain

When it falls slow and free.

Imitate the habit of twilight,

Taking time to open the well of color

That fostered the brightness of day.

Draw alongside the silence of stone

Until its calmness can claim you.

Read the whole poem here.

8 COMMENTS

  1. I realize that John has left this earth in bodily form. He leaves behind his words of wisdom if we will only take the time to listen and really hear his message.

  2. A gift to the soul is John Odonohue. Order his work with an audio format so that you can hear the lyrical cadence of his voice as he shares his beautiful work. You will not be disappointed.

  3. Gratitude…thank you for striking a chord, and for offering a soothing balm and a hopeful perspective through sharing John O’Donohue’s work.

  4. I agree with Fran that Michelle’s post was so meaningful and challenging to me. I believe it was Philomena who introduced me to John O’Donohue a while ago and I’m so grateful for these amazing resources that others mine for the nourishment of all.

  5. Having had some discouraging times in my life lately, this poem is uplifting. The line ” There is nothing else to do but rest
    And patiently learn to receive the self
    You have forsaken for the race of days”
    struck a chord in my soul with which I have struggled with for quite some time. I actually have felt guilty about taking a time of rest; I have always been so busy. The remainder of this poem is very encouraging to me at what seems to be a new crossroad in my life’s journey. Thank you.

  6. I always love finding new poets, it’s like borrowing a pair of eye for my soul, and have found several here, so I’m glad I could return the grace. The poem comes from “To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings” (published as “Benedictus: A Book of Blessings” outside the US), which brims with ways to bless the spaces of life…

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