photo credit: cláudia gabriela marques vieira
The Invitation
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 dreams, 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 shrivelled 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’s 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 on 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 a 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.
~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Lance, thank you for finding something every Sunday that touches me! These words are both inspiring and difficult for me to read. For that reason I need to read this over and over again!
.-= Adrenalynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Random thoughts about life and jeans buttons =-.
Happy Sunday Lance,
As I read that last line of this beautiful piece, it reminded me of how when we grow to love ourselves, we may be alone, but we’re never lonely.
I’m not sure where you found this Sunday thought at, but it’s truly awesome. Thank you for sharing.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Say It Ain’t So =-.
Lance,
You are truly resourceful in finding your Sunday thoughts. Lovely. Very thought provoking.
I want to shout Yes to the silver of the full moon.
Spent my morning playing in the snow with the boys, building a snow woman and a snow man. And it always hits me how it is the small things that make me happy.
Have a great Sunday.
M
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
I look forward to your postings Lance.
They are always so touching.
Blessings
Jeanne
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..La La Lavender =-.
I love your blog…I find inspirarion in so many ways daily.…thank you!
.-= Trish @IamSucceeding´s Last Fabulous Post ..Only Way Is Up =-.
No words really.
We are burying my friend today and THIS WAS HER LIFES WORK.
Finding your passion. Not caring who you “werewere” but whom you authentically TRULY WERE when all of the worldly important stuff was stripped away.
She used this in all of her workshops.
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST
.-= Miz´s Last Fabulous Post ..Disney Princess Halfmarathon update. =-.
Lance.…GOOD MORNING! How are things at the Sunday Morning Lance Café? How is that coffee?
Ahem, back to the quote. I love this quote.…have for a long time. It has played both a role in shaping me and in helping me choose my husband. When I first found it, I remember feeling it was a reminder to see the essence behind each person, each situation, and each moment. To boil down the particulars for the truth of the experience.
My kiddos are yelling happily down stairs and playing the piano.…maybe I will ask them what “their invitation” is and get back to you on what matters to the sub 5 year old set.
You rock. Live large and Love large today, my friend.
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Levity Project: Car Dancing Micro-Movement Is Coming Alive =-.
Beautiful thoughts and wondrous dreams for life.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Cracks & Crossings, fun mail and surprise =-.
Beautiful post today Lance! Hope that you have a great Sunday!
Natalia :0 )
.-= Natalia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekly Goals and Weigh In Monday. =-.
Absolutely beautiful.
xo
Peggy
.-= Peggy Nolan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Save Me A Good Seat… =-.
I use to really have a difficult time being alone with myself. Not sure why but after I did some work on me, I found it much easier and enjoyable. Nice quote on growing up.
You know what sustains me.…
Hey Lance, one of my favorites. I’ve quoted her on my blog as well. My favorite line is this one. “I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.“
.-= Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s Last Fabulous Post ..Your True Calling Inspired Business Startup =-.
This is a great piece Lance. I just love the self reflection it causes, especially turning so many superficial topics into the real personal meaning associated with them. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Mike King´s Last Fabulous Post ..Making Money on Purpose =-.
Oh, Lance, if ever there were a call to living authentically, this is it! How else can we truly connect meaningfully with others without having truly connected with ourselves? Once we’ve faced our own pain and can thus see there is only beauty at the seat of our soul, there is no fear in exposing our vulnerable selves. We set ourselves free. Thank you, Lance, for providing “soul” food for your friends and future friends through your virtual Center for Growth and Healing. Holly
Thank you for this. I am not too sure if I can say yes to that last question..that’s why this post is being bookmarked. As a constant reminder of ‘what you see in yourself, is what you attract in life’.
Lance…thank you.
WOW! Just what I needed today! I have never heard this passage before but is EXACTLY what I need to hear! Thank you!
And thank u MizFit for sending me here!
.-= Jules — Big Girl Bombshell´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Walk of Shame =-.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
.-= Kimberley´s Last Fabulous Post ..Worthy Cause Wednesday =-.
I really love this Lance.
Thank you for sharing.
.-= Merry Mary ´s Last Fabulous Post ..First Workout At The New Gym =-.
Hi Lance,
Nice read. Wisdom is wrapped well with literature
Much thanks for sharing the awesomeness with us.
Have a nice day !
.-= vikum´s Last Fabulous Post ..The easiest way to live more: Stay focused =-.
Oh my Lance — what a photo and what words to go with it!
This selection beautifully illustrates the deeper priorities, truths, and meaningfulness in life. And the last line is so profound — how are we with ourselves? I know a few people who are very uncomfortable being with themselves. They always are “busy” to busy for this and that, not a moment for themselves, but when one looks deeper, the person is actually doing everything they can not to be with themselves, not to have to look and say who am I? who did I become? am I really happy?.…and so on.
Very good reflection for a Sunday…or any day
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Talking About Unconditional Love At It’s All About Joy =-.
This is so achingly beautiful, Lance, that I don’t have words to describe just how much it’s touched me today. Thank you…
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..Moving Into Unconditional Love On All Levels =-.
Beautiful! It reminds me of the time when I was in New Zealand and I watched the sun rise all by myself and I felt truly at peace. I forgot everything else. Nothing else mattered. In the end my choices never reflect money or power — they always reflect happiness and that’s all I saw in that sunrise. I wanted to stay there forever.
I love this.
.-= Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..Torchlight =-.
Such a brilliant piece of writing. Thank you so much for sharing it this lovely morning.…
.-= Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s Last Fabulous Post ..What Up? =-.
Lance!! I have never read this piece before, I am duly inspired. I like the part of accepting your pain without trying to run from or fix it. That leads to healing peace. I also appreciate that even after perceived failure we can still shout “Yes!!” Yes, we have only gained knowledge one way of doing things that can be improved. And to risk the disapproval of others because we stand up for our own truth — that rocks!!
Be well, my friend, and have yourself a merry little Sunday!
xo
Awesome post, Lance! Thanks for the introduction to Oriah Mountain Dreamer, I want to explore more of her work. The image you chose is perfect.
.-= Diane AZ´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday Morning Skywatching =-.
Hi Lance,
I’ve never come across this before, and it is truly beautiful. I love it all, but for me what stood out was “I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself” Very powerful!
.-= Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..What abundance looks like =-.
I loved that last line. “I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.” It totally sealed the awesomeness for me.
I think this was my favorite Sunday Thought of the Day. Thanks!
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Use the 5 Whys to Discover Your True Needs =-.
That is absolutely beautiful. I had to read it three times to really take it in. Every line reminds me of my ideal life partner. This one really does it for me”
“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.“
.-= Carla´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Second Year: Multiple Sclerosis Update =-.
Oh how I missed visiting here Lance! That photo is utterly amazing and soothing. I loved the words, because there are many questions I am asking myself these days within them. I found peace in your dwelling space today my friend!
.-= Tabitha´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday Thoughts =-.
Hi Lance!
I have that in poster form — AWESOME. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic theme song for us all to sing?!
Have a lovely day!
Hugs
suZen
Lance,
Anyone who reads this doesn’t forget it. I was in grad school when the book came out and she became popular. After years of parenting I was doing exactly what I always wanted to do. That woman has a gift that doesn’t quit. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dream An Impossible Dream =-.
The Invitation is such a beautiful piece. After reading it online for the first time, I read it again and again and again. Eventually, I borrowed and read her book. The part that resonated me most was “I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.” I recalled a period when I simply needed to fill my days with lots of activities. Now, I just love sitting on my own.…and not wishing to have my space intruded too much and often. Thanks for sharing The Invitation here!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Universal Studios Singapore Pictures for Vision Board =-.
Lance,
I just recently read this piece, and reading it changed my life. I’ve meditated on each verse and thought about what do I truly ache for, how may I truly make whatever changes need to be made to live in full alignment. How may I allow my heart to open most fully, embrace each precious moment as it is, and give full clean breath to my Spirit. Along with that how can I give back most generously and sincerely to the Universe and the people I love within it. I use this along with the movie “The Guitar” as part of my daily affirmations. Life changing indeed.
Thank you for sharing. I notice that most of your readers were not familiar with it, and I know reading it will encourage them to shine a bit brighter. You are amazing to share as you do. Thank you for that. Truly.
Hi Lance, thanks for finding and sharing this inspirational piece of work by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. It made me think that life isn’t about having an accomplishment. It’s about the overcoming the struggles we have in order to achieve an accomplishment.
.-= Hulbert´s Last Fabulous Post ..My Brother Got Pulled Over by the Police – Part I Interview =-.
Hi Lance,
I love the image you’ve chosen for this post. Beautiful!
I have so many things to say about the quote you’ve chosen, but suffice it to say that I’d stand with you in the center of the fire any day of the week (and twice on Sunday). You bring so much light into this world, Lance, thank you.
.-= Lori´s Last Fabulous Post ..Front Porch: Life Through Mia’s Eyes =-.
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know I will share this at some point soon! I will let you know. Your posts always move me!
.-= Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Healthcare Sunday =-.
Powerful. Wonderful. Inspiring.
Thank you.
.-= Lori Hoeck´s Last Fabulous Post ..Is your inner worth at the heart of your power? =-.
This is brilliant Lance! So very true too…my favorite line is this: “if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.” I think I can answer yes to this…it took along time to get to this point.
Lance,
This is so wise and beautiful. I’ve printed it out and pasted it in my journal. Thank you!
.-= Daphne @ Joyful Days´s Last Fabulous Post ..Seven Proven Ways to Live A Happy Life =-.
Hello Lance,
Very thoughtful post. It is so deep and it is difficult for my answers to be ‘yes’. I personally liked — “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.“
My soul, my heart and my spirit which tells me “there is a day after tomorrow” which is mine.
Bye for Now
Cheryl Paris
Cheryl Paris Blog
N.B. Cheryl Paris Blog is a link url to: http://www.cherylparis.com
.-= Cheryl Paris´s Last Fabulous Post ..Don’t Wait Another Moment! Gift Your Future Self With Beautiful Memories Now! =-.
All,
I have let all of these comments you have shared, just soak into my soul today. As I read through all of the words you have each shared, it touches me deeply to feel a connection to each of you.
I hadn’t planned to only do one general comment. However, after reading one of the comments above, it just feels “right” to stop and let these words permeate my soul a bit more.
We are all connected. This I believe. Today, I feel that with an even stronger presence in my life. We are connected, even though many of us have never met face to face. There is a connection at a much deeper level. A connection that knows no boundaries. A connection that opens me up to feel what you are feeling, to all the highs and lows and everything in between.
These are only words typed on a screen. How can something, which in it’s simplest form is nothing more and a series of 1’s and o’s provide any sort of connection? And yet it does. It does in ways that are deeply meaningful and touching.
I believe there is a touching of our souls here. What a beautiful mystery! Perhaps it is the spiritual essence of our being, of a connection to something beyond Earth, that can bring us all together in some way.
So today I read the words of this quote once again…this time with even more meaning than the first time I read them. And that is because each of you has also put a part of your soul upon those words, and that adds an even deeper meaning to this quote…an even deeper meaning to life…and to love.
To all of you…peace and love.
Each of you are amazing and beautiful gifts of light and love in my world…
Hi Lance .. amazing piece – thank you so much for introducing me to Oriah Mountain Dreamer. The part that for now resonates with me .. “I want to know if you can get up after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done … ”
I too will definitely return to read this .. it’s all those “it doesn’t interest me ..” but what does interest me .. is your true self .. how you see yourself .. great Lance – thanks .. Hilary
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..February – the half-way month .. =-.
Great piece!! Very inspiring. The picture is perfect. The post is so touching. Thank so much for sharing!
Jen
.-= Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s Last Fabulous Post ..Olympic Special #1: Luge Abdominals =-.
What powerful lines.
I especially like these together:
* “I want to know if you can see beauty even when it’s 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 on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, ‘Yes!’”
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Three D’s for Motivation – Direction, Decision, and Dedication =-.
Hi Lance, I’ve seen this before but I’m so glad you shared it here because it’s a beautiful piece. It massively resonates with me so it was awesome to read through it again. Thanks!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..Kick Arse Question – Which City are You? =-.
What powerful words. Thanks, once again, for making me think.
.-= FatFighterTV´s Last Fabulous Post ..News Nugget: Does The Biggest Loser have big health problems? =-.
Thanks, Lance. One of the things I like about blogging is the surprises, finding the old and familiar in new places. This came at a timely moment and I’ve passed it on to two people who will appreciate its beauty and gain strength from it.
Everyone,
Once again, thank you so much for everything you have shared. Your thoughts and words all add so much to the deep meaning in this beautiful quote.
Peace and deep understanding,
Lance
Thanks Lance, the story is really inspiring, thanks so much for sharing!