From the door sill of a dream they called my name…
It was the good voice, the voice I loved so much.
“-Listen,” said the voice. “Will you go with me to visit the soul?…”
And a soft stroke reached up and touched my heart.
“With you always” … And in my dream I walked
Down a long and solitary corridor,
Aware of the touching of the pure robe,
And the soft beating of blood in the hand that loved me.
-Antonio Machado, from Times Alone: Selected Poetry of Antonio Machado (edited by Robert Bly)
Christine Valters Paintner had a conversation on Creativity, Chronic Illness, and Contemplation with Mike Petrow on his podcast The Healer with a Thousand Faces (also available through audio podcast channels). Joins us in Lent 2027 for the retreat The Wisdom of Our Wounds: Chronic Illness
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jaqui Eicher’s reflection and poem. After reading Christine Valters Paintner’s poem, “St. Gall and the Bear,” I responded in writing to the prompt:
For Deeper Gratitude*Spirit of Generosity,we come to you with heartsoverflowing with gratitudefor your abundant creation.As we awaken each morning,help us to rememberthis day is a gift,this breath is a grace,this life a wonder.Remind uswith every flower we see,every act of kindness,every moment of connectionto something
2 Responses
you’re welcome sharon!
thank you christine for sharing this . i so love this :)