For Endings and Beginnings

I'm not a religious person, but the poetry and blessings of John O'Donohue have always called to me in group work. So, for the closing of my work with this fine group of students/peers/friends, I would like to share this blessing with you.

Blessing for a New Beginning by John O'Donohue

In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

For all of you who have shared this academic journey with me so far, I wish you continued courage, energy, dreams and a plenitude of openings. Unfurl, awaken and hold nothing back, for you, my friends are the gatekeepers of the future, guiding the next generation into a world that holds endless opportunity for kindness, compassion, openness and love.  Thank you for sharing the journey with me thus far. I hope to hear and see more of you in the future.