On giving (a poem)
In lieu of something more profound at such a busy time of year, I gift you instead this beautiful poem by Alberto Ríos, ‘When Giving Is All We Have’:
One river gives
Its journey to the next.
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us.
We give because giving has changed us.
We give because giving could have changed us.
We have been better for it,
We have been wounded by it—
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again:
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
Together we are simple green. You gave me
What you did not have, and I gave you
What I had to give—together, we made
Something greater from the difference.
The poet said of this poem that it is a recognition to those who live lives of service “which, I think, includes all of us”.
I have added in the bold to highlight some of key themes, or takeaway messages, of the poem. I hope you enjoyed a little moment of calm whilst reading.
Mindful moment: We are better for giving and for appreciation and for gratitude. I hope this festive season brings you together with the most important people in your life.
Love, Laura
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Welcome to the Community.
I'm Laura, a yoga teacher and NHS doctor. With this weekly newsletter I aim to help you incorporate mindful moments into your week. I want you to feel inspired, empowered and creative. I promise to always be authentic; to only include content that speaks to me and which, therefore, I hope will do the same for you.
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