Fierce Heat of Living--

Today's post begins with a piece by a favorite poet of mine--

Self-Portrait

It doesn't interest me if there is one god
or many gods.
I want to know if you belong or feel abandonded.
If you know despair or can see it in others.
I want to know
if you are prepared to live in the world
with its harsh need
to change you.
If you can look back with firm eyes
saying this is where I stand.
I want to know
if you know
how to melt into the fierce heat of living
falling toward
the center of your longing.
I want to know
if you are willing to live, day by day
with the consequence of love
and the bitter unwanted passion of your sure defeat.
I have been told, in that fierce embrace,
even
the gods speak of God.

-- David Whyte

I continue with questions for myself--

Can I also allow myself a life of joy: of close, rewarding relationships; happiness in my work; rich, passionate and intimate moments not only with myself but others-- to have my life filled with such moments?

Can I welcome and allow an abundant supply of resources that support my deservingness and my life's work: my deepest gift to the Planet?

Do I feel deep in my gut (not just in my mind) that I deserve all this?
If I do, that is where the alchemy of manifestation begins.......