Lectio Divina ("Divine Reading") with Poetry

Sometimes I begin my sessions of spiritual direction with a poem. 

Poetry has a way of guiding us into the Deep with its rhythms, words, pauses, and images.

People hear the same poem differently, particular words and phrases catch their attention and "speak" right into the particularities of their lives.  The "deep calls to deep" and they respond with an authenticity that surprises them.  This very much reflects poet David Whyte's definition of poetry-- "Language against which we have no defenses."  
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The latest poem I have been reading to people who come for Spiritual Direction is one from David Whyte, Just Beyond Yourself.  I offer it to you here to read or listen to.  Slowly read through it a few times or close your eyes and listen to the recording of me reading it twice.  After all, that was the original way of Lectio Divina--hearing the sacred Scriptures being read!

As you read or I read to you, listen for the word or phrase that catches your attention.  Then allow that word or phrase to speak to your heart.  How does it connect with what is going on in your life right now?  Listen for the invitations being offered to you through that word or phrase. Let it shape your prayer &/or journaling (even your next conversation in spiritual direction!).

JUST BEYOND YOURSELF

Just beyond
yourself.

It’s where
you need
to be.

Half a step
into
self-forgetting
and the rest
restored
by what
you’ll meet.

There is a road
always beckoning.

When you see
the two sides
of it
closing together
at that far horizon
and deep in
the foundations
of your own
heart
at exactly
the same
time,

that’s how
you know
it’s the road
you
have
to follow.

That’s how
you know
it’s where
you
have
to go.

That’s how
you know
you have
to go.

That’s
how you know.

Just beyond
yourself,
it’s
where you
need to be.

-David Whyte,
The Bell and the Blackbird (2018)