You Were Made For This
Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely. It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the critical mass to tip toward an enduring good. What is needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of acts, adding, adding to, adding more, continuing. We know that it does not take everyone on Earth to bring justice and peace, but only a small, determined group who will not give up during the first, second, or hundredth gale.
One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these -- to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.
There will always be times when you feel discouraged. I too have felt despair many times in my life, but I do not keep a chair for it. I will not entertain it. It is not allowed to eat from my plate. [...]
In that spirit, I hope you will write this on your wall: When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for.
--Clarissa Pinkola Estes
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68 Past Reflections
On Nov 6, 2024 Dan L wrote :
I am one person. I move forward always with one first thought. Never set out to harm another person intentionally. I try to do the next right thing. The harder it is usually the better it is for my soul.
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On Jul 7, 2024 shane eggers wrote :
who is the captin of your ship when headed to destruction if we fail to open our eyes,does not life on earth know truth other than man himself?
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On Dec 4, 2023 Passion_Ground Joe wrote :
Would it surprise you to learn that small actions on your part can significantly alter the course of dire circumstances you would have otherwise thought were out of your control?
1 reply: Eleanor | Post Your Reply
On Sep 5, 2022 Caro Nunn wrote :
Endure Ensure Enable Encourage, Restore, be the truth, live the faith, close to Nature, watch her ways listen for her wisdom, always there, we just need to be in the moment, of being to receive the benediction that night into dawnlight bestows.
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On Oct 30, 2021 Linda Forsyth wrote :
My mom passed away this week. I had so many people asking how to honor her, where they could send flowers, etc. Here is my response.
"Many of you have asked about sending flowers or how to honor my mom. Here is what she would like. Give some warm socks to a homeless shelter. Plant a tree in your yard. Plant a tree in your neighbor's yard. Buy someone lunch who couldn't buy it for themselves. Sing. Send something to the food shelf. Or an animal rescue group. Dance. Believe. Have faith. My mom didn't live a perfect life. So in her honor, when you give, do so without thinking about it or judging if someone is worthy. Just give the way your heart prompts you to give. And love deeply, imperfectly, with all the lumps and bumps and bruises that come with being human. Plant a perennial. She used to say, "Why do people keep giving me flowers? Give me a bulb! Give me a root! Give me something I can put in the dirt that will be back next year."
"Many of you have asked about sending flowers or how to honor my mom. Here is what she would like. Give some warm socks to a homeless shelter. Plant a tree in your yard. Plant a tree in your neighbor's yard. Buy someone lunch who couldn't buy it for themselves. Sing. Send something to the food shelf. Or an animal rescue group. Dance. Believe. Have faith. My mom didn't live a perfect life. So in her honor, when you give, do so without thinking about it or judging if someone is worthy. Just give the way your heart prompts you to give. And love deeply, imperfectly, with all the lumps and bumps and bruises that come with being human. Plant a perennial. She used to say, "Why do people keep giving me flowers? Give me a bulb! Give me a root! Give me something I can put in the dirt that will be back next year."
2 replies: Fionnghuala, Erin | Post Your Reply
On Aug 26, 2021 Rosalie wrote :
This reminds me of a favorite song to perform and share, Megan McDonough's Wake Up and Dream .... with that line "You can wait a lonely lifetime, for a knock upon the door - ships are safe inside the harbor, but is that what ships are for?" Thank you for this reminder.
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On Apr 13, 2021 riella wrote :
I love every meaningful word beautifully written. When was this said by the author?
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On Dec 11, 2020 Lory wrote :
This writing has been an inspiration for me for many years. It sits close to my heart and I bring out to read and reread when life throws challenges my way. So appropriate for these times. Thank you.
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On Jul 3, 2020 Patty Aulik wrote :
I am right here with you. I share this with so many and know many friends who are ready. I'm writing a book called Truly Wild and your work is a huge inspiration, thank you. I'd love to meet you sometime. Thank you so much for your vision and your soulful, wild self.
Check me out on Facebook.
Rhythmically and wildly yours,
Patty Aulik
Check me out on Facebook.
Rhythmically and wildly yours,
Patty Aulik
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On May 2, 2020 Nancy wrote :
An amazing way to start my day, thank you! Inspirational,beautifully written .
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On Apr 24, 2020 Christine matheson wrote :
Thank you, beautifully written anda greatsentiment to finish by.
Life is never easy, and sometimes we make big changes that are hard to do. Something inside you stirs, and you realise there is joy simple things,and you move forward. You are lucky when you have great children and friends who support you on your new journey. Yoga gave meaning to my life and soul.
In these difficult times, it has brought out the best in so many people, and hopefully will bring more kindnesswhen the world calms down.
Life is never easy, and sometimes we make big changes that are hard to do. Something inside you stirs, and you realise there is joy simple things,and you move forward. You are lucky when you have great children and friends who support you on your new journey. Yoga gave meaning to my life and soul.
In these difficult times, it has brought out the best in so many people, and hopefully will bring more kindnesswhen the world calms down.
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On Mar 19, 2020 Beverley Fraser wrote :
Beautifully said. As the granddaughter of a very old salt,hopefully we can calm the waves.
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On Jan 23, 2020 Kelly wrote :
This mirrors my sentiments exactly. Thank you for this lovely post. Also thoroughly enjoyed your book "Women Who Run With the Wolves"...one of those books you can read again and again. Have shared with many people.
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On Jan 20, 2020 Christine wrote :
Thanks for your words !
I really have a pleasure, telling jou something about myself, why I am touched by your words.
Sorry for my "small" English.
Once, 3 years ago, I was invited for a lunch, for thanking me, helping during a period of dancing with others.(5 rhytms)
We are invited to sit near next to very tiny objects.
I chose immediatly a sailingship, intuitively.
Not understanding why.
Trusting that once I would understand the reason why.
Today, when I read your words, I first understand, how to live my life. How I can change my direction. To be more tuned to my soul: an enthousiastic dancing and moving child.
Not "only" a housekeeper.
But really thankfull for having loving relation-SHIPS (Ha ha): my brave and sick 90 years old mother, my son and daughter, partner,brother and others, who I really love.
There was a time in my life, loving a man, who give me and my children, all his shit. Four years I don 't act, what was needed: to say "stop" to hi... [View Full Comment]
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On Jan 19, 2020 Kim Lesley Davidson wrote :
Thankyou! I loved Women Who Run With The Wolves & I love this bit of encouragement. Thankyou for being on deck yourself!
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On Jan 19, 2020 Nikki wrote :
Thank you for these wise words. I also will not keep a chair for despair and try to keep my light shining.
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On Jan 18, 2020 Debee wrote :
Thanks for the reminder - I was feeling like my lanternwas dull :) this message adds a nice spark to these darker days!
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On Jan 16, 2020 Amy Sander wrote :
I have become so much better @ & prepared to be the calm, to shine my light in the storm. The more I do, the easier it is for me. I know it helps.
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On Jan 15, 2020 shona wrote :
Lovely words. They speak volumes of self love and truth. Thank you
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On Jan 12, 2020 Terri wrote :
This stirred my heart, spoke to my soul. I have shared it with others, spread the word. Thank you. The Quakers tell me to 'live adventurously' and I will shine out as best I can.
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On Jan 12, 2020 Ann McGovern wrote :
Just listened to Calm my Soul put out by the Poor Clares (religious community) in Galway; it fits with this reflection, I believe.
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On Jan 11, 2020 Roddy Maude-Roxby wrote :
Yes, I will improvise, meet up, play and put out drawings , allow my soul to shine. Thank you.
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On Jan 10, 2020 Ainslie Brennan wrote :
Thank you so much for this. It's been proven that kind and selfless acts bathe the brain mood elevating endorphins. A win win for all!
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On Jan 9, 2020 Emma Mary wrote :
Thank you for this, it touched my heart and reminded me how well we are doing as we survive the latest onslaught, and return battered and bruised but ready and willing to continue to contribute where and when we can. We are stronger than we think!
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On Jan 8, 2020 Lesley Porter wrote :
Oh this is like a balm to my saddened heart and soul. With our country burning and the lands of my childhood, NSW South coast now in ashes I have felt deep sadness in connection with these fires and the memories of long ago, as a child with my mother at her mother's property on the Clyde River at Bateman's Bay. Thank you Clarissa for the reminder to be present with ...what is within my reach.
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On Jan 8, 2020 Barbary O'Brien wrote :
Thank you. Definitely a thought and practice for our times x
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On Jan 8, 2020 Clare Hodges wrote :
Powerful words from a writer I have great admiration for ever since Women Who Run With The Wolves. In the deepest part of me I know this to be true and will try hard to do my bit.
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On Jan 8, 2020 Joei wrote :
More of these words need to be read and available cause we all need hope to transform and shine brilliant light on these times!
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On Jan 8, 2020 Gina wrote :
This spoke to my soul and couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you!!
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On Jan 7, 2020 Erika Kightlinger wrote :
Thank you!
I keep this quote on my fridge:
One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these -- to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.
It is so true, and I am grateful today for the reminder that I ma not built to be kept in a
safe harbor. There are times for it...and truly it is not what I was built for.
Bleasings,
ErikaK
I keep this quote on my fridge:
One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these -- to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.
It is so true, and I am grateful today for the reminder that I ma not built to be kept in a
safe harbor. There are times for it...and truly it is not what I was built for.
Bleasings,
ErikaK
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On Jan 7, 2020 Samatha Egan wrote :
We can only become the reflection in order for those in need to shine 🌟🖤ðŸ¤
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On Jan 6, 2020 betsy wrote :
Every open heart and mind is necessary to catalyze change.
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On Dec 13, 2019 Rachel wrote :
It’s important to listen to what people want to be sure your helping not hindering I love to feel useful it’s great doing the little things that to someone else is Massive
amazing writing thanks for sharing
amazing writing thanks for sharing
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On Dec 13, 2019 Natasha hannaford wrote :
I tried to help people today and it felt good x.Thank you Astrid and Becca for your kindness
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On Oct 17, 2019 Victoria wrote :
I read this every year to my choir of high school students. It's rich with powerful metaphor and profound inspiration.
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On Oct 9, 2019 Cynthia Pease wrote :
Part of this was read at a prayer circle I belong to this morning. I had not read any of Ms. Estes' work, but I was gobsmacked by the beauty and wisdom here. "Soul on deck" is so powerful! This speaks to all times and places and situations. Thank you.
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On Sep 13, 2019 KerryAnne wrote :
So beautifully written and timelessly relevant. Thank you for sharing this inspiration. Consider it on the wall!
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On Aug 14, 2019 Klaudia van Gool wrote :
Thank you this feels so true. Every time I ask what I'm here for I get a version of this
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On May 3, 2017 Lori wrote :
I stumbled upon this post this morning as I was checking a quote. The full message is a fun find and feels incredibly powerful 9 years later. Thank you for these beautiful words. <3
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On Jan 25, 2017 David Clark wrote :
These famous words. "Ye are Gods. Be ye perfect even as your father in heaven is perfect. These things that I have done, ye too shall do, and even greater things than these shall ye do." Those words were meant for YOU.
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On Dec 2, 2016 Mary Louise Wise wrote :
Thank you for this reflection. I have been talking with class members in a counseling course I teach, about
kindness. And I will be sharing your reflection with them next week.
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On Nov 14, 2016 Vesna Mitrovich wrote :
at last a little hope post election. except this was written years ago!
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On Nov 7, 2014 Lee Ireland wrote :
Oh, how these words ring true for me these days! Many thanks for sharing them and offering them to us in our public conversation. Gratefully, Lee ireland
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On Aug 31, 2013 marian rapoport wrote :
it is 3 o'clock in the morning and somehow (though i don't believe in coincidences) my ship was guided to this particular harbor where, yes, i do feel safe and able to moor. i promise you i will not stay here, but will continue on my journey as a 66 year old woman for whom the beloved crone years are the very best. the wild and wise path, whose forest trails have been sketched with such fierce tenderness and love by clarissa pinkola estes, is one that the "hungry boots" of my youth long ago touched down on, as if i never had a choice. i have stumbled much and often tripped on the tree roots beneath my feet, especially when journeying through the woods when dark or moving too fast. it is fellow travellers like ms. estes who illuminate the markers on the trails and call out with wisdom and reassurance when i'm miraculously back on track. she is a compass, a guide, and sometimes - i suspect - that fierce eagle flying above whose soaring and dipping... [View Full Comment]
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On Jan 30, 2008 meenakshi Srinivasan wrote :
So true. I find great satisfaction in teaching middle school children. The "turmoil" they face is amazing and I feel good being a "calm" center for them to respond to.
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On Jan 29, 2008 DD wrote :
ah... I seem to be in alignment with most who have posted a reply today to these beautiful words. We are One? ah, yes, I think so.
Peace.
Peace.
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On Jan 29, 2008 choclet pi wrote :
A very timely email for me, as a the last week or so I have been feeling overwhelmed by all the things that 'need to be put right' in the world.
I am a little confused at the last paragraph..it is good advice, but seemingly starts a completely new train of thought.
I am a little confused at the last paragraph..it is good advice, but seemingly starts a completely new train of thought.
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On Jan 29, 2008 Conrad wrote :
I am inspired by what she said. I will email to several people.
With gratitude.
With gratitude.
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On Jan 29, 2008 Sonia wrote :
This quote has really hit home for me today,I am blessed and with this wisdom today!
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On Jan 29, 2008 Jonathan wrote :
It has been too long that I have been without Estes' readings to ponder what life is truly about. In the age of global everything, we loose a grasp on what is most important...those around us. We forget that we have a powerful, positive influence here and every day by living our true nature and showing it to the world. Blessings for bringing this shining wisdom to me today!
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