Meeting Your Higher Self—Original Prose Poem & Reading
We all have a Higher Self, tantalizingly, elusively, just out of reach... German philosopher, Heidegger's definition of Longing seems apt, here: 'the agony of the nearness of the distant.'
But, from time to time, we do experience glimpses, and hear whispers or promptings from that better angel of our nature.
This piece of mine, below, is addressed to that longed-for encounter, or reunion, with our shimmering Ideal.
Because, when we know ourselves better, we also add to the sum of human knowledge of itself. So, in a sense, knowing ourself is a courtesy to others...
"You must improve yourself on a higher level if you are to be able to help people, and not just weep over them.”
—Idries Shah, Sufi teacher
Encounter
I stirred in the small hours of the morning. Sensing a presence, I did not return to sleep, but ventured into the living room, apprehensively.
There, by the balcony, sat a familiar figure — cross-legged and reading in the semi-dark, with just the milky moonlight for company.
I do not know how I knew, but I knew. I recognized the intruder, at once, with a mixture of dread and affection.
“I’m sorry,” were the only words to leave my lips. “I’m sorry, too,” replied my longed-for-self, with a sigh of infinite kindness and pity.
He did not rise to greet me and, somehow, spoke without words, transmitting what was needed.
Catching his glistening eye, the caring made me cry. “You’ve taken every detour to avoid me,” he gently reproached. “For every step I’ve taken towards you, you’ve taken back two”.
I did not know what to say in my defense (how could I protest against myself?) “I missed you,” he said, and feared you’d forgotten me.”
His admonishment was tender as a kiss. “I visit from time to time, and hope you’ll ask me to stay.” I knew what he said was true, and felt that way, too.
“I worried,” he continued, “if I postponed this visit, we might never meet, in this life… and so I came to sharpen your appetite.”
He rose and moved towards me. “There’s no need to speak, return to sleep. But when you rise, try to remember me. And to keep awake.”
© Yahia Lababidi
(Art by Agostino Arrivabene)
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This quote is wonderful. As too your poem. I listened as I followed the words. Good to see you making use of dsound. Hopefully another new technology to assist in Steemit's growth, and our little community within .
That feeling of connection but separation is familiar to me. The admonishment to Know Oneself has called to me for a long time. Sometimes it feels like punishment, yet at other times blissful joy. The dark night of the soul, perhaps, that defines parts of our journey in this world.
The quote, in some way, guided my poetry reading, so it's gratifying to learn that it marked you, as well.
While I'm new to dsound, I've actually grown quite fond of reading poems outloud, to know them better. (Here is my virtual listening room on Soundcloud, if you've the time/interest, mostly of poems by others I admire: https://soundcloud.com/yahia-lababidi) I hope to be able to do more on dsound, over time, as well as play with Dtube :)
Ah, yes, St. John's dark night of the soul... The spiritual crucible we return to in cycles, or in spirals, purifying ourselves, until we are worthy...
Thank you, for listening with an open heart.
I have started recording some of my more poetic pieces, and putting them on dtube. A big step out into a brighter spotlight. And I have found through this experience what you discuss - an opportunity to get to know them better. To get a better feel for the flow and energy contained within them.
Thanks for the link to more of your readings.
That takes daring, my friend, and courage brings its own rewards. Best of luck branching out!
This gave me chills...! Thanks for the gentle reminder. As Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj's teacher said, in his transmission of knowing:
Ah, chills are good...it means it reached you :) Yes, we are each other, and the sooner we awaken to our interconnected the more we live, tenderly.
Thanks, for stopping by & may you continue walking in Beauty 🙏🏼
Your story has definitely helped to 'sharpen my apetite'. Remembering to remember ... Thanks for the inspiration. :)
Wonderful to hear 🙏🏼 This is why I write—so that my conversation with myself might spur another.
Onwards, upwards 👆🏼
Such a beautifully written selection! I love how I was able to ponder each line of dialogue and think how that applies to the 'missed opportunity' or 'missed identity' paradox in myself.
Thank you, thank you! That’s when Literature works - when our most intimate confessions serve as mirrors for others... because there are no others...
As Ram Das says:
"When all is said and done we’re really just all walking each other home.”
Wow! I love that quote. There's such a human warmth to it. It's nice to think in that way.
"For every step, I've taken towards you, you've taken back two ... and when you rise ... remember me" ... I can resonate with this in my own personal journey of remembering. I remember the deep agony and desire for union, truly bittersweet. But for a love that is awake, remembering its divinity blossoms into a passionate dance between lovers, flowing to the melody of their heart song. Thank you for this delicious poem.
Thank you, for this sensuous riff :) True love and the desire for union, whether human or Divine, is a mighty thing, indeed, and will not be denied. True Love is the One that we keep returning to...
Your words inspired me (^_^) I'm looking forward to reading some of your posts this morning with some coffee. I'm a writer, not published yet except for here on steemit. But I hope to be, working on a novel right now, about a past life of mine in Egypt.
Wow, best of luck with your novel! I hope my posts keep you good company and that my words might continue to inspire you 🙏🏼
Thank you, it is an exciting journey for me. May you have an amazing week 😊
Same to you, walk in Beauty :)
Another good thought...! 😊
we can't help other until we help ourselves...!
the world is full of peace and loyalty, we just don't have the the courage to acquire that..!
But i believe, the real excellence of living is to make urself kind to others...! 😊
Thanks for ur thoughtful write, much appreciated..! 🤗
Stay blessed..! 😇
~Tennis Girl 🎾🎾
Yea, I think of that truth every time I’m on a air plane and flight attendants remind us to put our own mask on before helping others.
Here’s to accessing life’s goodness 🙌🏼
xactly, they care us more than themselves..! 😊
Full of warmth and touching...every word!
...the only way to heal the world...without the need to se others change.
I’m glad it spoke to you, Adrian. Yes, work on the self is necessary and never over. Thanks, for stopping by 🙏🏼