Follow: Your Path

Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.              –John O’Donohoe

I spend a lot of time working with college students who are uncovering their path in life.  Some have realized this through the gifts they uncover in their learning, or in their internships.  Some will fiercely deny their gifts until someone else points them out.  Some are so drawn to what they want to believe is their gift, that they cannot see what their true gifts really are.

Truthfully, I’ve had many times in the course of my own life where all of these same challenges have surfaced.  I think that is why there is so much power for me in this particular quote from the poem/blessing by John O’Donohue.

In my own life, I have been able to hear, respond, and follow most courageously when I have slowed down and become aware of the present path as it is unfolding, step by step.  Perhaps that is why this quote is situated within John O’Donohue’s blessing For Presence.

For Presence
by John O’Donohue

Awaken to the mystery of being here
and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.

Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.

Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.

Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to
follow its path.

Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.

May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.

May anxiety never linger about you.

May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of
soul.

Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek
no attention.

Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.

May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven
around the heart of wonder.

–from To Bless the Space Between Us

May this blessing surround and support each of you as you listen, respond, and have the courage to follow the call of your own gifts.