The Ten Percent Less Anxious Diaries (5)
Presence relieves fantasy fears and troubling memories
Hello Everyone,
This week’s anti-anxiety message is a reminder and reflection for all of us - on presence. It’s a beautiful old poem by John O’Donohue, who speaks of coming into the present moment of our experience.
Fearful fantasies and anxieties tend to live in frightening, possible futures, and unhappy, anxiety-provoking memories live in the past. The present is the place we have most agency, so that’s the place we want to bring ourselves when things get overwhelming.
Read over the poem with me and sit quietly for a moment afterwards. I think it will feel good, softer inside yourself, maybe 10% less anxious.
Love to you,
A Blessing for Presence by John O’Donohue
May you awaken to the mystery of being here
And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror your inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.
I definitely noticed a longer exhale when reading. Thank you 😊
Beautiful ❤️