THE DASH
Image courtesy of Gary Meulemans (Unsplash)
Every so often, social media outlets remind us of the poem The Dash, written by Linda Ellis. In summary, this poem tells the story of a man who delivers the eulogy of a dearly departed friend. He began by noting both her year of birth and death. More importantly, he directed his audience to the Dash between said years, representing her entire time on earth. He continued by saying that others will remember us most, not for the material possessions or accolades we accumulated but for how we lived, laughed, loved, and treated others along the way. The question is, How do we want to answer his call to action?
In the grand scheme, our journey on this earth lasts only an instant. Our path will lead to many decisions we must make, and often we go left when we should have gone right, causing us to stumble along the way. We are imperfect beings living the human experience, so it is okay to have some mishaps. When this happens, please take the opportunity to learn and redirect, as it is never too late to make up for the lost time.
As an exercise, imagine writing your eulogy and asking how others will remember me. Not an easy task as this requires a great deal of self-examination. Consider the following questions. Is it more important to have a successful career and material wealth than a circle of supportive, like-minded people? Can I have both? Are others left behind in the quest for my great accolades? Am I satisfied with where I am at this stage of my life? What can I do to forge a more purposeful life?
Image courtesy of Felicia Buitenwerf (Unsplash)
This mission will be different for one starting a career versus a retired person or a home filled with kids and an empty nest. No matter your circumstances, strive for a fulfilling life. As your journey changes, find a niche that will help make this world a better place for yourself and others in kind.
To help you brainstorm, I am sharing a gift I received on the first day of my yoga teacher training. The Invitation, written by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, is a timeless poem that offers some sage and thought-provoking advice. Until next time -
Namaste,
Tim
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
to be realistic
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.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
I want to know
if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the 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
to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me
who you know
or 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.
Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-invitation-by-oriah-mountain-dreamer