We Have Not Come to Take Prisoners
We have not come to take prisoners,
But to surrender ever more deeply,
To freedom and joy.
We have not come into this exquisite world
To hold ourselves hostage from love.
Run my dear,
From anything
That many not strengthen
Your precious, budding wings.
Run like hell my dear,
From anyone likely
To put a sharp knife
Into the sacred, tender vision
Of your beautiful heart.
We have a duty to befriend
Those aspects of obedience
That stand outside our house
And shout to our reason
“O please, O please,
Come out and play.”
For we have not come here to take prisoners
Or to confine our wonderous spirits,
But to experience ever and ever more deeply
Our divine courage, freedom, and
Light!
- Hafiz, The Great Sufi Master
Above is one of my favorite poems by the mystic Hafiz. His words are a celebration of life and his love for the Divine. These words feel exceptionally relevant to me given the state of the collective at present.
The task of “surrendering ever more deeply to freedom and joy” is not an easy one. It requires faith in the Divine, in the universe, and in yourself. It entails relinquishing all illusions of control and embracing the knowledge that what you need is already yours. You don’t need to look outside yourself. BUT, you have to be willing to do the hard work, to look inside – truly look with an open mind, without judgement, without guilt, without shame, at the pieces of you that are not so pretty. That is the essence of shadow work. And there is no way around it. You cannot progress in your spiritual journey without the ability to see yourself completely; your darkness and your light, for one doesn’t exist without the other.
That is the focus of my work. Our shadows serve a purpose - they have a story to tell, a lesson to be taught. We need to approach them with caution for their words might be difficult for us to hear and integrate. But we are not whole without them.
Your tone of writing and choice seems similar to mine. I have recently introduced Sunday articles under Section 'World Prayers' which may have drawn your attention😊 I wanted to share something with you Tonianna. Yesterday I happened upon this gentleman and tried to help him, but when my attempts 'failed' to advance his plans he shouted the F word in my face. I just stood there looking at him feeling no threat or violence thinking 'that's the hardship speaking not the gentle being inside' I saw the shame and embarrassment in his eyes. I stayed with him and at the end of our time together I found clothing and other resources for him. You know Tonianna, everyone stared as I walked with this poor soul into the town, but no one offered any help. I was glad of the encounter and remember thinking 'that could our Lord standing there'
Well said! Self reflection can be hard work but makes life so much richer. Love this article!