“Today, when we stand before crucial thresholds in our lives, we have no rituals to protect, encourage and guide us as we cross over into the unknown. For such crossings we need to find new words … this book Benedictus is an attempt by the Philosopher John O’Donohue (1956 – 2008) to reach into that tenuous territory of change …”

The following poem “For Courage” is from the above book. A number of people who have participated in the 40 Day online Irish Inner Peace Pilgrimage have told me that this poem has been exactly what they needed to hear at a particular moment in their lives. I’ve put a copy of it here for you and remember to experience more of John’s wisdom you can purchase the book at the following link: “Benedictus – a Book of Blessings”

For Courage

When the light around you lessens
And your thoughts darken until
Your body feels fear turn
Cold as a stone inside

When you find yourself bereft
Of any belief in yourself
And all you unknowingly
Leaned on has fallen

When one voice commands
Your whole heart,
And it is raven dark,

Steady yourself and see
That is is your own thinking
That darkens your world

Search and you will find
A diamond-thought of light,

Know that you are not alone
And that this darkness has purpose
Gradually it will school your eyes
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.

Invoke the learning
Of every suffering
You have suffered.

Close your eyes
Gather all the kindling
About your heart
To create one spark.
That is all you need
To nourish the flame
That will cleanse the dark
Of its weight of festered fear.

A new confidence will come alive
To urge you towards higher ground
Where your imagination
Will learn to engage difficulty
As its most rewarding threshold!
by John O’ Donohue

To purchase the book click on the following link: “Benedictus – a Book of Blessings”