“Today, when we stand before crucial thresholds in our lives, we have no rituals to protect, encourage and guide us as we cross over into the unknown. For such crossings we need to find new words … this book Benedictus is an attempt by the Philosopher John O’Donohue (1956 – 2008) to reach into that tenuous territory of change …”

The following poem “For Courage” is from the above book. A number of people who have participated in the 40 Day online Irish Inner Peace Pilgrimage have told me that this poem has been exactly what they needed to hear at a particular moment in their lives. I’ve put a copy of it here for you and remember to experience more of John’s wisdom you can purchase the book at the following link: “Benedictus – a Book of Blessings”

For Courage

When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside

When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen

When one voice commands
Your whole heart,
And it is raven dark,

Steady yourself and see
That is is your own thinking
That darkens your world

Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light,

Know that you are not alone
And that this darkness has purpose
Gradually it will school your eyes
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.

Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered.

Close your eyes
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark.
That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear.

A new confidence will come alive
To urge you towards higher ground
Where your imagination
Will learn to engage difficulty
As its most rewarding threshold!
by John O’ Donohue

To purchase the book click on the following link: “Benedictus – a Book of Blessings”

Related Posts

Join the 40 Day Irish Inner Peace Pilgrimage

To Stand and Stare

Why must we answer the call to awaken?

Be the Change

Here are two poems from a fantastic Irish poet called Roibeard Mc Elroy. The first poem “Bel’s fires” celebrates ‘Bealtaine’ or May day and the second poem celebrates the beauty of the bee. Two brilliantly written poems. Roibeard writes many poems, prose and musings about places he visits in Ireland.  To see more of his work go to his blogs at

http://meltthecelt-insightsofachameleon.blogspot.com/

www.myspace.com/roibpoeticaceltica

“Bel’s fires”:

Bel’s fires were pure penitents
in the season of festivals
Bel’s fires were pure penitents
in the harvest of restive tribals
Bel’s fires were sylvan towers
to light the pilgrim’s paths
Bel’s fires were blushing bowers
the Gael’s redemptive baths
Bels’ blazes were spectral spires
summer’s seed a-living oasis
Bealtaine’s blazes were fertile pyres
in the offerings of Celtic gnosis
Bel’s fires were spirit guides
where nature’s cycle is clannish
Mayday burned as reaping scythes
in the corn, Spring’s shadows banish
Bel’s fires pruned ploughshares
love dancing their season’s change!
Bel’s fires sparkled as a new dawn
capping mystery’s mountain range
Bel’s blazes were souls sun drawn
as Messengers of new ages
Bealtaine’s flames the great freeborn
Oh mirth! Summertime now rages!!

Happy Bealtaine/Mayday, my friends!

Roibeard

“The Swan song of the bee?”:

The beauty of the bee
is the output of its hive
as a shepherd of all botany
in craftmanship it does strive!
The heart song of its litany
augments the genus alive;
artist o’ nature’s epiphany
in labyrinths builds its destiny -
the comb & wax, in sharing thrive!

Sweet Ambrosia and Nectar
pollinating bud, petal, blossom;
in cell-like choirs, the elector,
of biology – sweet apple blossom!
Like a pure prospector
in the harvest of golden honey
with goddess/ queen, cosmic connector,
of sweet fruits, climes sunny!
Oh noble bee benevolent
a servant of its craft
where man is vexed malevolent
oft groomed the scion to its graft!

Oh great bee of the pyramid
the pyramid of the Helix:
in the flora, shrub, once amid,
the rose bush, the blooming matrix,
where now art thou hid?
Yet again man’s monstrous machine
your sweet honeycomb undid;
who’ll carve the replica and figurine
if another species has been….?

Again to read more of  Roibeard’s work go to his blogs at:

http://meltthecelt-insightsofachameleon.blogspot.com/

and

www.myspace.com/roibpoeticaceltica

“It is easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile
When everything goes dead wrong.”
Ella Wheeler Wilcox (from The Man Worthwhile)

Isn’t it funny sometimes that we use quotes and sayings alot of our lives and don’t know where they come from. Sometimes I think we subconsciously think they’ve been around forever!

Such was the case for me with Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850 – 1919). I have known and used quotes from her poetry all my life. Indeed as I read one in particular, I could hear my own Mothers voice as she so often used this quote to help  cheer me up when needed. I’m sure you have heard this quote yourself, it’s taken from one of Ella’s poems called ”Solitude“:

”Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone,
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.”

After doing a bit of research on the internet I found many other poetic gems by Ella which inspire deeply. The following quote is on San Francisco’s Jack Kerouac Alley.

The following poem particularly inspired me. Take a few moments to reflect and really feel the meaning behind her words.

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(Intro by Sean M Kelly, founder www.BeInspired-blog.com)

Have you ever read a poem where you felt drawn into another state of consciousness. A state of consciousness which feels very authentic, very truthful and very peaceful.

Well when I first read the following peom that’s how I felt. The poem is called “A State of Meditation” and it’s written by a very inspirational lady called Rajyeshwari Ghosh

A State of Meditation

Oh What a Joy!
As I meditate and focus on my breath, I
Slowly calm down and feel rested.
As I rejuvenate
And restore,
I experience the ecstasy
Of absolute clarity.
All worries, anxieties, and stress leave,
And I am recharged and reconnected within!

A few months ago I came across Rajyeshwari on the internet and she has just launched her first book. It’s called “Essence of My Existence” and I was lucky enough to be sent a pre-published copy myself. It’s a deeply inspiring book. Here’s a couple of small excerpts from the book:

A few years ago, I went through an emotional crisis in my life. This incident shook me to my core, and I asked myself some questions, which I had not asked before. Even though I did not have most of the answers at that time, the one thing I remembered searching for was something that is “sustainable beyond time and space.” As I started observing people’s lives around me, I hardly found anyone’s life, I wanted to live. I was looking for something deeper, more authentic, more universal, and more magnificent.

After attending tons of programs, reading many books, and listening to a lot of people, I found only few people’s lives actually motivated and inspired me. They have given this world everything they have, and therefore could influence and impact so many human beings so profoundly. They have lived their truth.

Amidst these crises, I never stopped smiling and believing in my dreams. I did not stop living my essence. I did not stop being the human being I am destined to be. I let my “inner voice” guide me to my destination. This book is the culmination of that journey.  This is my first creation after I have discovered the “essence of my existence.”

Well if you’d like to learn more about Rajyeshwari Ghosh, her new book and buy your own copy it’s one of the books we recommend in the new Be Inspired Book Store. Here’s a link: http://bit.ly/8bo66e

And here’s another inspirational poem from her book for you to enjoy:

 The Connection

The fragrance of the newly blossomed flowers,
the chirping of the birds,
and the texture of the earth –
all remind me there is life.
There is a life to live and experience!
The blue sky is so magnificent,
and the ocean is so infinite
I feel like a tiny creature in this entire Universe!
How amazing this life is which unfolds itself
to something it is destined to be!
Just like a flower – it blooms, it graces the surrounding,
and spreads aroma – it is a joy to behold.
The sublime sensation that arose from the tone
of the sweet voice echoing from the distance
is a pure connection to the world within!

Rajyeshwari Ghosh

About Rajyeshwari Ghosh

On her own from the age of 18, she came from India to the USA as an Undergraduate International Student. The poet poignantly delivers an insight into her world as a non-resident alien in the United States; we view her growth through her pain, anguish, joy and laughter. Her quest to seek the “Ultimate Truth” led her to confront courageously some of the severe trials and tribulations of life. In this deeply reflective, heartwarming volume of poems, the poet explores the very fabric of her existence –whether it’s a pale illusion or authentic. She transcends her sufferings, as she harmonizes her life with the guidance from the Universe, and ultimately rejoices to find her bliss in her own existence. Through her graceful words, raw emotions, feelings and artistic presence, she makes a powerful connection with the universal humanity. Her poems will render joy, and an affirmation that adversities can be overcome and dreams can come true!

Connect with Rajyeshwari on Facebook – http://bit.ly/7xVoWh

Peace Within

Peace Within by Sean M Kelly

When all around you is falling down
To remember their dead
they stain blood on the ground
there’s hate in their eyes
You’ve got to realise
there’s a part of you that needs
to find love too …

When children are used
in a game of hate
sowing seeds
for more violence to create
A father holds his child
in his arms so tight
as the rain from hell falls
from vengeful birds in flight

Peace within me
Peace within you
Let the light of your peace shine through

When toys turn to bombs
which kill and mame
And all you see is difference
And never the same
A child cries loud over his fathers grave
And wonders why he had to be so brave?
Hear it, feel it, deep inside
Your heartfelt wisdom and
let it be your guide.

Peace within me
Peace within you
Let the light of your peace shine through

When all around you are ready to blame
never knowing that they fan the flame
Be not vengeful, be not cruel
History tells us it’s the way of a fool
Seek out peace deep inside
Feel the Love and
let it be your guide

Peace within me
Peace within you
Let the light of your peace shine through

(Please note the Peace Within song above and on this video is on the Dare to Dream album and can be purchased online at this link – www.bit.ly/JTFo5)

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Seize the Day!

Seize the Day!
Give it life
For it will come no more
See the beauty amidst the strife
And be Happy for evermore.

Live for today
And you will improve tomorrow
And make a happier yesterday
But live for tomorrow
or long for yesterday
and you will have lost
as your life drifts away.

Each day well lived
Each seed sown
Looks after tomorrow
so we can all blossom
Like the flowers have grown.

Seize the day!
Seize it now!
And be grateful
you have it at all
And every night as you lay to rest
you may say:
“I’m happy, I gave it my all”

by Seán M Kelly – www.seanmkelly.com