The Singing Bowl—Malcolm Guite
"Begin the song exactly where you are..."
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The Singing Bowl
by Malcolm Guite
Begin the song exactly where you are, Remain within the world of which you’re made. Call nothing common in the earth or air, Accept it all and let it be for good. Start with the very breath you breathe in now, This moment’s pulse, this rhythm in your blood And listen to it, ringing soft and low. Stay with the music, words will come in time. Slow down your breathing. Keep it deep and slow. Become an open singing-bowl, whose chime Is richness rising out of emptiness, And timelessness resounding into time. And when the heart is full of quietness Begin the song exactly where you are.
Used with the author’s permission. From The Singing Bowl.
How wild! I have a New Year's resolution to memorize a poem for each month and this is the one I chose for January. I am a January 10th baby, and you just posted my poem of the month on my birthday today -- I feel seen and loved by God. Malcolm is a gifted poet and this has been a deep, restorative reflection to start off the year.
“And let it be for good”
Staying in the moment is the hardest for me, especially when pressure screams for me to escape.
Staying with Jesus, holding His hand, and breathing. Knowing what’s coming is for my good.
His voice, His strength, His heartbeat says “take heart” for my good and His glory