A Letter to My Future Self

[Edveeje Fairchild]

On the last day of the retreat we each wrote a letter forward in time to our future selves as a way of capturing the joy, passion, and purpose of the retreat. We put our letters in self addressed envelopes that will be mailed from Cape Ann. I would like to open a space here for our future selves to dialogue with one another. As you live your way into the New Story what is most alive for you and your future self?

 

I also wanted to post the Hafiz poem that opened that activity:

 

Cast All Your Votes for Dancing

 

I know the voice of depression

still calls to you.

 

I know those habits that can ruin your life

still send their invitations.

 

But you are with the Friend now

and look so much stronger.

 

You can stay that way

and even bloom!

 

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun

from your prayers and work and music

and from your companion's beautiful laughter.

 

Keep squeezing drops of the Sun

from the sacred hands and glance of your Beloved

and, my dear,

from the most insignificant movements

of your own holy body.

 

Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins

that may buy you just a moment of pleasure,

but then drag you for days

like a broken man

behind a farting camel.

 

You are with the Friend now.

Learn what actions of yours delight Him,

what actions of yours bring freedom

and Love.

 

Whenever you say God's name, dear pilgrim,

my ears wish my head was missing

so they could finally kiss each other

and applaud all of your nourishing wisdom!

 

O keep squeezing drops of the Sun

from your prayers and work and music

and from your companion's beautiful laughter

 

And from the most insignificant movements

of your own holy body.

 

Now, sweet one,

Be wise.

Cast all your votes for Dancing!