This Week's Quotation:
Everything falls away, except the thread you’ve followed, unknowing, all along. The thread that strings together all you’ve been and done, the thread you didn’t know you were tracking until, toward the end, you see that the thread is what stays as everything else falls away…
Follow the thread as far as you can, and you’ll find that it does not end but weaves into the unimaginable vastness of life. Your life never was the solo turn it seemed to be. It was always part of the great weave of nature and humanity, an immensity we come to know only as we follow our own small threads to the place where they merge with the boundless whole.
Each of our threads runs its course, then joins in life together. This magnificent tapestry— this masterpiece in which we live forever.
~ Parker J. Palmer, an excerpt from his poem “Everything Falls Away”
Everything Falls Away
Beckie Wagner
The essence of this poem has stayed with me in my dreams and consciousness since reading it several weeks ago. Palmer’s premise is that toward the end of our life here on Earth, everything falls away except the thread that we have been following all along, which ultimately connects us to the unimaginable vastness of life. We have mostly been unaware of this thread in our preoccupation with living, but it has been there all along.
His words describe how the presence of spirit throughout my life, from a very early age, has been revealed as I have had time to reflect and meditate during these past weeks here at Sunrise Ranch. My thread has been the undeniable presence of spirit in my life, with or without my acknowledgment or recognition. I have finally melted some of the fear, judgment, and denial around my heart. The melting has allowed my heart to swell with openness, possibilities, and love.
The final words of this poem are like pure sweetness to my soul. I am much more aware of the presence of spirit and the joy and possibilities that come along with that awareness. I am excited and honored to be a part of a community of people who share an understanding of what it might mean to merge with the boundless whole to create a better world.
Things have fallen away, and so many new things have been revealed. I am grateful to have this opportunity to continue to live on this earth to weave more love into the tapestry of nature and humanity. What a gift I have been given to live on the planet at this time and in this place.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Beckie – we are so honored to have you with us in our community and in our house together as we all create a New Life through all we do, and all we share together. Your energy and grace and openness is such a great blessing – AND – you have recreated such a beautiful garden at the Garden House
It is wonderful to make two new friends, Beckie and Parker. Mahalo for your guiding spirit and LIGHT. Love, Tom C.
Beautiful to read your words of experience, Beckie. As we each allow our hearts to swell in openness, possibility and love together we discover the Truth of how the tapestry of life is woven through us to create oneness.
We are so glad you are here with us!
It is indeed wonderful to have you, Beckie, as part of our community at Sunrise. I particularly resonate with your statement: “What a gift I have been given to live on the planet at this time and in this place.” Yes, the human form that houses me may ultimately fall away, but life never dies. Meanwhile, I will celebrate every day I have left on this magnificent planet.
That was lovely Beckie. Keep’em comin’.