Today’s Poem: Crosses and Troubles by William Ernest Henley

Crosses and Troubles

William Ernest Henley

Crosses and troubles a-many have proved me.
One or two women (God bless them) have loved me.
I have worked and dreamed, and I’ve talked at will.
Of art and drink I have had my fill.
I’ve comforted here, and I succoured there.
I’ve faced my foes, and I backed my friends.
I’ve blundered, and sometimes made amends.
I’ve prayed for light, and I’ve known despair.
Now I look before, as I look behind,
Come storm, come shine, whatever befall,
With a grateful heart and a constant mind,
For the end I know is the best of all.

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Today’s Poem: A Song of Hope by Felicia Dorothea Hemans

A Song of Hope

Felicia Dorothea Hemans

Droop not, my Brother! I hear a glad strain—
We shall burst forth like streams from the winter-night’s chain;
A flag is unfurl’d, a bright star of the sea,
A ransom approaches, we yet shall be free!

Where the pines wave, where the light chamois leaps,
Where the lone eagle hath built on the steeps,
Where the snows glisten, the mountain rills foam,
Free as the falcon’s wing, yet shall we roam.

Where the hearth shines, where the kind looks are met,
Where the smiles mingle, our place shall be yet!
Crossing the desert, o’ersweeping the sea,
Brother, brave Brother! we yet shall be free!

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Today’s Quote: It Will Get Better

There is something in the human spirit that will survive and prevail, there is a tiny and brilliant light burning in the heart of man that will not go out no matter how dark the world becomes. ~ Leo Tolstoy

Today’s Poem: Hope by Mary Baker Eddy

Hope

Mary Baker Eddy

Tis borne on the zephyr at eventide’s hour;
    It falls on the heart like the dew on the flower,–
    An infinite essence from tropic to pole,
    The promise, the home, and the heaven of Soul.

    Hope happifies life, at the altar or bower,
    And loosens the fetters of pride and of power;
    It comes through our tears, as the soft summer rain,
    To beautify, bless, and make joyful again.

    The harp of the minstrel, the treasure of time;
    A rainbow of rapture, o’erarching, divine;
    The God-given mandate that speaks from above,–
    No place for earth’s idols, but hope thou, and love.

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Finding Light in the Darkness: Hope and Healing Through Grief – Episode 109

Welcome to Episode 109 of “Journey from Grief to Healing” with Dr. Ray Calabrese. In this episode, Dr. Ray delves into the profound feelings of loneliness and despair that accompany the loss of a loved one. Drawing inspiration from Walter D. Lamar’s poignant poem “Alone,” he explores the metaphorical ‘winter’ that engulfs those who grieve.

Dr. Ray discusses the importance of shifting focus from inward pain to outward connection, using analogies to illustrate the healing process. He emphasizes the role of patience and hope, quoting insightful thoughts from Daniel Goleman and Father Henri Nouwen .

Listeners are encouraged to embrace the light of hope and patience, guiding them from the darkness of grief to the light of healing. Join Dr. Ray as he offers comforting words and practical advice to help you navigate your journey of grief and find renewed joy in life.

If you find this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend and subscribe for future episodes. Visit Dr. Ray’s’ blog at dancingalone530.com for more positive and uplifting content. Have a story of hope and strength to share? Email Dr. Ray at ray.brese@gmail.com.

Stay strong, never quit, and remember: love always wins.

Today’s Poem: Look to This Day by Kalidasa

Look to This Day

Kalidasa

Look to this day:
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendour of achievement
Are but experiences of time.

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision;
And today well-lived, makes
Yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day;
Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!

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Today’s Poem by Czeslaw Milosz

Hope

Czeslaw Milosz

Hope is with you when you believe
The earth is not a dream but living flesh,
that sight, touch, and hearing do not lie,
That all thing you have ever seen here
Are like a garden looked at from a gate.

You cannot enter. But you’re sure it’s there.
Could we but look more clearly and wisely
We might discover somewhere in the garden
A strange new flower and an unnamed star.

Some people say that we should not trust our eyes,
That there is nothing, just a seeming,
There are the ones who have no hope.
They think the moment we turn away,
The world, behind our backs, ceases to exist,
As if snatched up by the hand of thieves.

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Today’s Quote: Never Lose Hope

There is a saying in Tibetan, ‘Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.’ No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster. ~ Dalai Lama

Finding Sunshine in Grief: A Journey Towards Healing and Hope

In Episode 104 of “Journey from Grief to Healing,” we explore the approaching summer solstice and its symbolic significance in the grieving process. The extended daylight hours symbolize a shift from darkness to light, mirroring the emotional journey of moving from grief to healing. The narrator discusses the therapeutic effects of sunlight on both humans and plants, emphasizing that while grief can overshadow our lives, we must strive to embrace the light to foster growth and healing.

The episode reflects on the importance of choosing to live actively and engaging with life, even amidst sorrow. Drawing inspiration from Michael Franti’s song, the narrative highlights resilience and the inevitability of storms passing, underscoring the cyclic nature of life and grief. Through vivid imagery of nature, the narrator illustrates how life continues to flourish around us, urging listeners to participate in the rhythm of life despite their grief.

The episode also touches on the emotional freedom to mourn and cry, stressing that living fully means embracing all emotions. By quoting poets William Wordsworth and Christina Rossetti, the narrative beautifully encapsulates the theme of finding joy and music in life, even as we navigate through grief.


You can listen to Episode 104 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 104  

Today’s Quote: Choosing the Future

Everyone has got to realize you can’t hold onto the past if you want any future. Each second should lead to the next one. ~ Joe Strummer

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