Mary Oliver writes wonderful, often short, poetry and this poem is no exception. The small and overlooked things in nature seem to call to her so she can share their words with the world.
When we just pay attention, we notice people and things that we might overlook in our haste to move through the world and our days. Praying is a doorway, not a contest. Prayer calls upon each of us to listen and give thanks for the world and its gifts. It is in those mindful and attentive moments that the world speaks to us and it is in silence that we hear its words.
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
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About ivonprefontaine
In keeping with bell hooks and Noam Chomsky, I consider myself a public and dissident intellectual. Part of my work is to move beyond (transcend) institutional dogmas that bind me to defend freedom, raising my voice to be heard on behalf of those who seek equity and justice in all their forms.
I completed my PhD in Philosophy of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. My dissertation and research was how teachers experience becoming teachers and their role as leaders.
I focus on leading, communicating, and innovating in organizations. This includes mindfuful servant-leadership, World Cafe events, Appreciative Inquiry, and expressing one's self through creativity. I offer retreats, workshops, and presentations that can be tailored to your organzations specific needs.
I published peer reviewed articles about schools as learning organizations, currere as an ethical pursuit, and hope as an essential element of adult eductaion. I published three poems and am currently preparing my poetry to publish as an anthology of poetry.
I present on mindful leadership, servant leadership, schools as learning organizations, how teachers experience becoming teachers, assessement, and critical thinking. I facilitate mindfulness, hospitality retreats. and World Cafe Events using Appreciative Inquiry.
I am writing and researching about various forms of leadership, how teachers inform and form their identity as a particular teacher, schools as learning organizations, hope and its anticipatory relationship with the future, and hope as an essential element in learning.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 
I’ve just finished Tolle’s “Awakening”… so just beginning to get what you mean :). A Wonder Full poem, indeed.
I will have to read Tolle’s work. Thank you.
I adore her poetry and would love, love, love to meet her in person and spend time talking to her. 🙂 ❤
I think that would be a great conversational experience.
Indeed it would be❣
Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear can find enjoyment in what they encounter.
The senses provide us with a rich tapestry for living.
Very good poem.
Reblogged this on Truth Troubles: Why people hate the truths' of the real world and commented:
Excellent poem.
Thank you for the re-blog.
It could be pigeon poop on the sidewalk, too. 😉 (from the Master herself) maryrensberry.wordpress.cim
Thank you for the good read. A shift in perspective is what it’s all about. You get what you put your attention on. Let’s focus on beauty, love and peace and the solutions to reaching those ideals.
It could be and as Thich Nhat Hanh said we need the weeds and manure for gardens to flourish.
So love Mary Oliver and any of her words, thank you for sharing because yes it is about taking a moment to be mindful.
You are welcome. Her words are inspiring.
This was a great poem. I am about to see more posts by Mary Oliver! Thank you for posting this.
She is a wonderful poet with such a spiritual voice.