I am here because there is no refuge,
finally from myself.
Until I confront myself in the eyes
and hearts of others, I am running.
Until I suffer them to share my secrets,
I have no safety from them.
Afraid to be known,
I can know neither myself nor any other,
I will be alone.
Where else but in our common ground,
can I find such a mirror?
Here, together, I can at last appear clearly to myself,
not as a giant of my dreams, nor the dwarf of my fears,
but as a person, part of the whole,
with my share in its purpose.
In this ground I can take root and grow,
not alone any more, as in death,
but alive to myself and to others.
Went through Common Ground 6/1989,C-90 7/1989 to 10/1989 and 12/1989 to 5/1990. Thou the philosophy was worded a little different when I went through it's basic message is there. The words set me free, gave me hope, helped me to open myself to people I normally wouldn't, and showed me the importance of being open minded and willing.
ReplyDeleteHope you’re well today we would have been in the CG & C90 at the same time
Delete"" I HAVE "" EMBRACED""" THIS "" PHILOSOPHY AS I DO THE " LORD'S PRAYER!!! THESE WORDS HAVE GIVEN ME A "" SENSE OD PURPOSE THROUGHOUT MY STRUGGLES!!! "" DESIDERATA"" BY MAX ERHMAN IS ANOTHER!!! AS WELL AS "" ALL SPIRITUAL SONGS/POEMS ETC!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is a phrase in the above version that is missing but was most often said when I worked for Gaudenzia Behind the Wall, meaning in the Department of Corrections population. The phrase was: Why Are You Here. This phrase for me was most powerful and always seemed to speak to depths of my soul so much so that I personalized it and would say to myself whenever we recited it as: Why Am I Here? See, for me is helped, and still does help me to consider, or contemplate; my purpose; my priorities; and my position, state of mental being, in life. It helps me realign myself with my purpose, assess of quite possibly reassess my priorities for the day; and then most importantly reevaluate why mental well being, meaning am I ready in attitude, fortitude, and selflessness to give of myself in counseling and helping another within this day! Just For Today, Consider, Why Am I (You) Here??
ReplyDelete