MMM*: Follow the thread

~ Live & Learn

thread-blue

Lately, when people ask me what I’m doing, the most honest reply (manifest in my daily writing, prayer, meditation, contemplation & conversations) would be to say I am following my thread. It’s a reference to this small, spectacular poem by William Stafford that is taped to my bathroom mirror. Whatever our “thread” is – a question, an invitation, an awareness of what matters most – it always takes us home to ourselves, to our belonging in this world, to the Infinite Love that holds & keeps us. These days, I become aware that I can hold & follow my thread in a variety of places – washing dishes or buying groceries; in solitude or with others; in the city or the forest. Mostly, I admit, the key for me to following my thread is to slow down. Rushing makes me lose awareness of the thread I hold. As the work week begins, let’s consider together: How do I hold the thread that guides me?

~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer

The Way It Is

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.

~ William Stafford

Notes:

18 thoughts on “MMM*: Follow the thread”

  6. I like what Carolann said about authenticity…that thread of truth in each of us. Finding it, following it, not letting go. Sometimes, well often, that requires us to stop and quiet – like shared, even when in the midst of the mundane. Beautiful reminder.

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  8. William Stafford poem and Oriah Mountain Dreamer message brings to my mind individual focus, a grounding tether, which for me is clinging to root of the vine. For me, his steadfast grace, strength, reliability, compassion and peace see me through. Life does unfold and some-days I am faced with more than my share of life’s board breath of challenges. I find that when I Purposely Stop, Breath Deep, Pray and Recognize that Challenges are to Teach. I gain a Strength and Perspective to be Mindful, Compassionate, at times Firm & to quickly be able to make decisions that have to be made. Clarity in the midst. Yielding to life brings rich experiences.

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  9. Thank you, David 🙂 I think that when a person, stops and quiets they they are wise and strong. So Important to our sense of self to continually exercise our inner compass, to the direction of True North. We will stumble and occasionally step off path, we will stop, gather our bearings and realize that we deviated .Hopefully, we get it, and don’t repeat the same error, but ask for forgiveness for not walking on the lighted path, seek direction, accept grace and drawn upon our inner strength to right ourselves. I know that I am forever a Work in Progress, Grateful for Each Breath, that Propels Me Forward. … In my initial post – I def. should proof read my text, more carefully… ‘broad’ not board & I neglected to include the word “the” for better understanding (near the end of the first sentence) < remembering to laugh at my self, too 😉

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