GROUND
is what lies beneath our feet. It is the place where we already stand; a state of recognition, the place or the circumstances to which we belong whether we wish to or not. It is what holds and supports us, but also what we do not want to be true; it is what challenges us, physically or psychologically, irrespective of our abstract needs. It is the living, underlying foundation that tells us what we are, where we are, what season we are in and what, no matter what we wish in the abstract, is about to happen in our body, in the world or in the conversation between the two. To come to ground is to find a home in circumstances and to face the truth, no matter how difficult that truth may be; to come to ground is to begin the courageous conversation, to step into difficulty and by taking that first step, begin the movement through all difficulties at the same time, to find the support and foundation that has been beneath our feet all along, a place to step onto, a place on which to stand and a place from which to step.
GROUND taken from the upcoming reader's circle essay series. ©2013: David Whyte.
I'm sorry I missed this. I can't see much detail in the large bright space. There are no captions, vacuous or otherwise, to help me with context.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping you're walking taller from the inside out.
More to come? Now that you have vanquished the phantoms and made a new fan or two.
I don't feel that different so far, but I'm still processing. I'm getting some interesting feedback from time to time on having shared my exploration of process. Some people seem to think that talking about doubt and vulnerability mean that you're some kind of wreck.
ReplyDeleteEverything is projection.
The phantoms are never vanquished, they just remain in the wings as wise teachers....
Another day, another demon. Traditionally they are specific by name and domain, although the breed doesn't die out anymore than flies in the kitchen. And yes, your work touches me, as well as your frank discussion of the shadows that complement light.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob. Not that I was asking, you understand. :-)
ReplyDelete