Wisdom and Thoughts to Ponder

To be whole and effective as human beings we must honor the voices within as well as the voices around us. Writing marries the two. Reflection through writing is a way to get to know your self and integrate personal experience with thoughts and dreams.

Every month I'll post a new poem to stimulate discovery of your own wisdom on life, purpose, values, creativity, and joy. Use the prompts included with each poem to deepen your awareness and understanding. Writing brings clarity to your thought process and helps you articulate what matters most to you. If you wish, you might try your hand at writing your own poetry. I'd love to hear from you about your writing practice and the discoveries you've made. To share your writing, please email me.

August 2008:

DOORWAYS OF OPPORTUNITY

Oftentimes we are faced with an opportunity that may seem challenging at first. We have dreams and desires but are not sure if we should proceed in the direction our heart is calling. Take a few moments to read through Adrienne Rich's poem below. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. What line in the poem calls to you? Where do you find yourself in this description of possibility? You might want to read the poem a second time. Then use the writing prompts following the poem to deepen your exploration of your own doorways to opportunity.

Prospective Emigrants, Please Take Note

Either you will
go through this door
or you will not go through.
If you go through
there is always the risk
of remembering your name.
Things look at you doubly
and you must look back
and let it happen.
If you do not go through
it is possible
to live worthily
to maintain your attitudes
to hold your position
to die bravely
but much will blind you,
much will evade you,
at what cost who knows?
The door itself
makes no promises.
It is only a door.

--Adrienne Rich
Copyrighted material reprinted for educational/therapeutic use only.

• What are the thresholds or doorways in your life?
• What is your name? What are the risks of 'remembering' it?
• Name the things that you must look back on.
• What is the cost of not going through the door?
• Describe the rewards awaiting you if you do go through the door.
• Name some of the attitudes you want to maintain? What are the attitudes you are ready to let go?
• Write a story about a time when you took a risk, or a time when there was no promise of success.

Archive

Past poems and writing prompts can be found in our Wisdom Archive.

For More:

Contact Susan for more information about online writing groups and journal teleclass support for your writing practice.

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