i grow still
because
if i
do not
i fear
i will shatter into a million pieces
or
i will lose my center again
after the light inside fought so valiantly
to show me the way
out of the deepest darkness
i had ever known.
i grow still
because
when i do
it is always the right thing to do.
because
when i do
i feel everything
and that includes joy.
not the momentary exuberance
that the monkey mind knows.
but joy
warm
and
glowing
the kind you feel
when you find yourself
being grateful for
everything
and
everything
brings you contentment.
and the other positive emotions?
they all keep company, like the best of friends.
so why not choose joy?
Beautiful words, Mary-Jane. It's amazing that when we need to hear the right words of wisdom, they come. Shortly after I sent you the quote yesterday Leslie sent me another quote by Lao Tzu.
ReplyDelete"The quieter you become,
the more you are able to hear.
Sitting peacefully doing nothing
Spring comes and the grass grows all by itself.
We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want." - Lao Tzu
Great Post.
ReplyDeleteAnd Oh so true. I love the thought of positive emotions keeping each other company. I LOVE THAT!
xx, Carol
These words are exactly what I needed today. Thank you and Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteLovely. (as are the earrings!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, thoughtful - well, no, more like emotive - words. Strung together with honesty. Happy New Year of creativity and abundance and a stillness filled with joy.
ReplyDeleteMJ- indeed - why not choose joy - great way to welcome the day. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteHappy joy and stillness :)
ReplyDeleteMJ - I like that by growing still you do more than stop something bad happening; that by growing still you gain access to beauty and wonder and joy - and boy that makes it so worthwhile. Sometimes we need to be still to self-protect; and so we do, but the joy of discovering joy there - beyond measure.
ReplyDeleteMJ- I'm not sure which is more beautiful-- your amazing earring creations or your lovely prose-- you have such a gift for writing and creating--
ReplyDeleteLove
Vicki
Beautiful post my friend.I love your "warm and glowing" kind of joy!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove these words...
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful message to start the day with, thank you!
Smiles,
Susie
It's always so interesting to me how you and I are frequently in a sort of spiritual linkage-- I go to read your blog and find that you've been thinking along the same lines as I have. And that's a joyful thing to me. Thanks for the joyful and thoughtful lines.
ReplyDeleteMJ- just stopping by to say Hi---- beautiful images and words-/ so peaceful here at your beautiful blog. I hope you and the babes are well-/ staying warm!
ReplyDeleteVicki
Mary Jane, just checking in on you again and wanted to say hello! I hope all is okay on your end since you've been gone for a little while.... I enjoyed my visit today and a chance to reread this beautiful words. You really put words together that touch a chord. I just love that, "why not choose joy?" :-)
ReplyDeletewhy not indeed... somedays it is harder to find than others, but it is really a matter of masking our hearts to the possibility of joy, perhaps due to fear or memories of past suffering... still joy, like gratitude is ever present when we look through the eyes of our hearts.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you today, Miss Mary Jane. I came here to see what you have been doing and these words are what greet me, what stir my soul. I just love them. When you write that daybook with your poems you know I will be first in line to buy it, don't you? Thank you for sharing them. I hope that all is well in your world, that you are happy and healthy and whole. Know that I am thinking of you! Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeletei will lose my center again
ReplyDeleteafter the light inside fought so valiantly
to show me the way
out of the deepest darkness
i had ever known.
oh yes , having been there, I can respect the experience. Sending joy and joy and more joy your way.
Lovely poet and lovely artist.!!! Joan T