Over the past few years I've read and re-read David Whyte's work on conversationsal leadership. He uses poetry to think through leadership and the business challenges we face. Over the weekend I remembered a poem he read and referred to. I have to say I found it quite helpful, and in these weird times, somewhat comforting. I hope you find time to take a minute and see if it makes some sense to you too.
LOST by David Wagoner
Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.