it happens all the time in heaven

I was sent this poem earlier today and it struck me purely for its simplicity and its truth.

So, I thought I’d share it here, with you:

It Happens All the Time in Heaven
Hafiz
(translation by Daniel Ladinsky)

It happens all the time in heaven, and someday
It will begin to happen again on earth –
That men and women who are married, and
Men and women who are lovers,
And women and women who give each other
Light,
Often will get down on their knees, and while
So tenderly holding their lover’s hand, with
Tear-filled eyes, will sincerely say, “ My dear,
How can I be more loving to you; my darling,
How can I be more kind?”

I guess it struck a chord, today especially, given the current (and ongoing) madness in the world.

People can be so unkind to each other with their thoughts, their actions, their motives, their words, their intentions.

Stephen Fry and Elliott Spencer.

Paris.

…..to name but a few.

Last evening I came across Eileen Flanagan, an author, speaker and activist who wrote on her Facebook page:

I’ve been noticing lately how much people need encouragement. It’s so easy to feel alone or to feel that what we do doesn’t matter. So this morning I want to give a shout out to all those folks trying–trying to follow their call, whatever it is, trying to show up to life. It matters, and you are not alone. Believe it.

So I want to try to do this more in my own life.

Encourage others.

And be kinder, for often I fail.

And reminding myself of the connection that exists between all human beings, its ripple effect, the aftermath and the consequences.

As always, be kind to yourselves.

Eileen Flanagan
http://www.eileenflanagan.com/