It can be hard at times not to become overwhelmed by personal pain, the pain of those we love, and the pain in – and of – our world. And, in that overwhelm, to move into anger, despair, destructive actions. Today, John’s words feel helpful and relevant. For the writer, there is something about making, and constantly remaking, a covenant of kindness and of trust – that however little difference this may sometimes seem to make, and however much unkindness and brutality exists all around, the only meaningful response lies in presence, simplicity, authenticity, empathy and compassion.
Here are the words, for those who have difficulty seeing Facebook links:-
‘EASTER BLESSING
“On this Easter morning, let us look again at the lives we have been so generously given and let us let fall away the useless baggage that we carry – old pains, old habits, old ways of seeing and feeling – and let us have the courage to begin again. Life is very short, and we are no sooner here than it is time to depart again, and we should use to the full the time that we still have.
We don’t realize all the good we can do. A kind, encouraging word or helping hand can bring many a person through dark valleys in their lives. We weren’t put here to make money or to acquire status or reputation. We were sent here to search for the light of Easter in our hearts, and when we find it we are meant to give it away generously. The dawn that is rising this Easter morning is a gift to our hearts and we are meant to celebrate it and to carry away from this holy, ancient place the gifts of healing and light and the courage of a new beginning.”
John O’Donohue
Dawn Mass Reflections at Corcomroe Abbey
WALKING ON THE PASTURES OF WONDER’
Palace Gate Counselling Service, Exeter
Counselling in Exeter since 1994
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