This poem is always popping into my head, since I learned it at school as a child. He is right, don’t you think?

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

Auguries of Innocence

An inspiring poem, filled with gems.

BY WILLIAM BLAKE

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour

A Robin Red breast in a Cage
Puts all Heaven in a Rage …

Shine, you might as well. When I started my therapeutic counselling training in 2005 we were given folders filled with some of the materials we would need. The front page of the folder had this from author and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson written on it. I still read these words regularly. They still inspire me as much as they did the first time.

Many years ago, I was bereft after a devastating loss. Depressed by the weight of my existence, as well as its lightness, I was unable to move forwards in life. As I tried to grapple my way through it, I cam across these words in a magazine. 

The risk it takes to remain tightly close in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to bloom.

What strikes me is the simplicity of this. That all moments can be mindful. That instead of trying to finish something and get it over and done with, we engage with it in the moment, and notice it and feel it. Little moments like this add punctuation to a day and for me at least provide grounding, and nurture in every day tasks…

Prioritising self care alongside work and family life can feel selfish, indulgent, daunting even. It is essential, for you and for others. Self compassion should be easy, but somehow, for many of us, it isn’t. A small investment of time in self nurture is more likely to lead to you achieving your goals.

One of my all time favourite poems. When I read this I feel calm, small amidst the power of nature she conveys. The world goes on despite my small minded protestations. It helps me gain perspective. I almost feel wind in my hair as I read.