A Blessing For The Journey

A year ago today, I had the honor of reading Sensei Wendy Egyoku Nakao’s poem, A Blessing For The Journey, for my dear friends Claire and Lander on their wedding day.

Since selecting the piece for them, I’ve found myself considering it often, in my own life — as I embark on a journey, and when someone close to me sets out, as well.

May it guide you, too…

A Blessing for The Journey

Let us vow to bear witness to the wholeness of life,

realizing the completeness of each and every thing.

Embracing our differences,

I shall know myself as you,

and you as myself.

May we serve each other

for all our days,

here, there, and everywhere.

Let us vow to open ourselves to the abundance of life.

Freely giving and receiving, I shall care for you,

for the trees and stars,

as treasures of my very own.

May we be grateful

for all our days,

here, there, and everywhere.

Let us vow to forgive all hurt,

caused by ourselves and others,

and to never condone hurtful ways.

Being responsible for my actions,

I shall free myself and you.

Will you free me, too?

May we be kind

for all our days,

here, there, and everywhere.

Let us vow to remember that all that appears will disappear.

In the midst of uncertainty,

I shall sow love.

Here! Now! I call to you:

Let us together live

The Great Peace that we are.

May we give no fear

for all our days, here, there, and everywhere.

– Sensei Wendy Egyoku Nakao