The Invitation
By Oriah Mountain Dreamer


It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for,
And if you dare to dream of meeting
Your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
For love, for your dream,
For the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
If you have been opened by life's betrayals,
Or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain,
Mine or your own,
Without moving
To hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy,
Mine or your own,
If you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
Without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic,
or to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself,
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.
I want to know if you can be faithless and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty
Even when it is not pretty every day,
And if you can source your life
From its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure,
Yours and mine,
And still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair,
Weary and bruised to the bone,
And do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn't interest me who you are, how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
In the center of the fire with me
And not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
From the inside
When all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
With yourself,
And if you truly like the company you keep
In the empty moments.



Cher Newman "Unique One " Inspired - 15 years, 8 months, 16 days ago

*HUGS*

There's something in a simple hug
That always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part.
A hug's a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
They like you 'cause you're you.

Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
From your grandma to your neighbour,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.

A hug is an amazing thing -
It's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling
But can't find the words to say.

It's funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language,
It's always understood.

And hugs don't need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts -
Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts.

Jill Wolf


Cher Newman "Unique One " Inspired - 15 years, 9 months, 16 days ago

Well it’s been a while since I’ve written. Our family Journey has ended and have to say I have been on many of these journeys but none as hard as this one. I’m glad the pain has ended for him and that he has returned home; but he’ll be dearly missed. I’m amazed at the strength and passion of each person I meet during my day. Their determination and fight never truly ending more concerned about those that their leaving behind. It is at this time one can truly see the glow of the inner spirit.
Cher Newman "Unique One " Inspired - 15 years, 11 months, 10 days ago

Well the journey continues and Life goes on around us nothing really changing; yet every thing is changing. Put on the professional face and go forth into the journey smile in the right places and no one will know. We hide behind our masks no one really seeing who we are inside; No one really caring as long as their needs are met. I feel the sorrow and pain of each of them and wish that more could be done to comfort them. I hold a hand, softly stroke a forehead, check their medication, hug a loved one and wait. I pray that they find the journey home painless and comfortable. I know they will be met by loved ones on the other side and find the freedom their bodies did not give to them. I look around at my family and wonder how we will get through our journey.
Cher Newman "Unique One " Inspired - 16 years, 4 months, 8 days ago

Well where does one start in writing a tale hmmmm ....I have been working in my community as a Palliative Nurse helping people and their families with the journey home we all take. But now it seems like it's my turn to do it for my family. My father has taken the final turn down the road of life and is on his journey home to the other side. Somedays I'm not sure how we keep it together; but some how we do. I wonder if one can become desensitised to death or are we just waiting for the dame to break and the emotion to come flooding out.
Cher Newman "Unique One " Inspired - 16 years, 4 months, 18 days ago