An Invitation – 2 of 2
To the women who complain to their girlfriends about men, not recognizing they are in charge of the men who appear in their life …
To the man who love has betrayed, who holds every future woman accountable for his pain …
To the woman who complains about men and their logical, “unfeeling,” personas, not recognizing, it is the understanding of men’s emotional fear where her answer lies …
To the men who are afraid of feeling …
To the woman who holds her man responsible for certain behaviors to prove he loves her, unable to see his love for her by his style of showing it …
To the men, and women, who believe anger is manly, when it is but a way of cloaking and expressing feelings too awful to experience directly; feelings like – hurt, bitterness, grief and, most of all, fear1…
To women who believe they can capture a man with their vagina …
To men who have been captured by a vagina …
To the women who are afraid of closeness and assure they’ll be alone by falling in love with a married man …
<s
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To the man who smacked the back of his eight year-old son’s head, calling him “stupid,” after he stumbled over my feet at Starbucks …
To the man who robbed his daughter’s childhood from her by forcing her into sex with him from her age 11 to 23 … until I took her from him as my wife …
To the women who “negotiate” men with their youth and their sexuality, who, years later, when replaced with a younger woman, blame the man they negotiated with for the injustice of it all …
To women and men who cannot see that a man’s tenderness and kindness, are not signs of weakness or despair but manifestations of strength and resolution2 …
To those of us who refuse to be forgiven, knowing better than our God, that we are unforgivable …
To those of us who are UNwilling to give up all the excuses that stand between us and love …
To those of us who just must force discussions upon our lovers about their ex, in an attempt to satiate the beast known as our own insecurity – but that’s not what we tell our lover – no, we tell them, “we need to know certain things,” and our need will always supersede our lover’s because, “If they really love us, they’ll tell us” …
To those of us who don’t know, love has nothing to do with what you get – only what you are to give3 …
To all the fake boobs in my life, women and men …
And to me, for having lived much of the above and continuing to c
ondone the behaviors, by living in their presence …
I offer you …
The Invitation
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.
It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon…
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shriveled and closed
from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”
It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.
It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.
© Oriah Mountain Dreamer, from the book The Invitation published by HarperSanFrancisco, 1999
(Picture)
http://www.annegeddes.com
God bless,
Nunzio
1 Still Talking by Joan Rivers
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt”>2 Kahlil Gibran 1883-1931
3 Katharine Hepburn 1907-2003
Nunzio . . . you made me cry. How very thought provoking, and soul stirring. Mine will query those words for many nights to come. Thank you*
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I honestly believe that I can answer “yes” and accept that invitation. It’s taken many years and much learning. But life is in the experiences and learning is but an open heart and mind away. Thank you.
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wow,thats all I can say *wipes the tears*
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Yes, I’ve read this before. And it’s beautiful.
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Hmmmm…. makes one think.
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RYN: You ROCK Nunzio! Thanks so much! =)
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Truely touching. It’s been a while since I’ve been made to think like that. Thanks!
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I had this Invitation on my wall for several years…. Says what’s important. Love it
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Very nice, sir. Some of the pics aren’t showing, I must add, which at first piqued my curiosity, but by the end, I realized the pictures are purely optional. Thank you for sharing. Have a great weekend!
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I don’t know what to say, unfortunately I see myself in some of this, and I’m not talking about the part I’d like to see. I think everyone on here does, whether it’s admitted to or not. The invitation would be something to be inspired by or to something some of us should aspire to be more like, but nobody is perfect. The idea of it is nice. You’d have to be truly comfortable in your own skin
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the only part that would be easy would be looking like a fool for love. Who wouldn’t? If they were honestly in love, I cannot imagine one wouldn’t risk that. I look like a fool for a lot less, at least it’d be a worthy cause. I don’t like the Father who smacked his child though, poor kid, and for nothing, just a mistake…
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*smiles*… and that is what we should all aspire to.
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Wise Words. The wisdom is hard though. It means learning to forgive yourself and the others in your life. It means change that is more difficult than any undertaking and yet gives more rewards that a diamond mine.
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well done… well done i say… very tongue and cheek
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Thanks for the note. Your diary is full of wisdom. I can relate to the “Invitation” and m in tears while reading it
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I love this 🙂 Thanks for much for sharing it, I could only see 2 of the pictures though 🙁
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*crying* i must steal this invite, so i dont forget .
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That’s so beautiful.
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RYN: Soooo u think were hot (naughty grin)
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P.S. I printed the “invitation” and hung it up at work. I can’t wait to see the reaction of some of my coworkers. Most of them probably won’t be moved by it at all. But there will be a few that get it. And they will really enjoy it. THANKS 🙂
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Lovely. 🙂
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Yeah, fat-faced pic on Lifebegins’s entry. ewwwwwwwwwww. Hope you had a good weekend honey. ; )
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Baby, I hate being ignored… : (
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Aww, Daddy, was I up past my bedtime? LOL… I’d fall out of my chair, huh?
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RYN~ Naaaaaaahhhhh. I told that nasty-trashy-skanky-ho that she doesn’t go near Heart because that isn’t her place. I told her to back her skank-ass off. Haha, just kidding (sort of.)
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ANd concerning this entry, wow. I love it. I can’t see any of the pictures, and a lot of the font is messed up. I get a funny feeling, though, that your mention of the beast known as insecurity was hinted at me?
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RYN: Double teaming…Hmmm Well, no that wasn’t it…but that is something to think about (wink) I wasn’t having a very good night last night. And I wrote about it privately…and need some straight up, none sugar coated advice. You were the 1st person from diary I thought of! I have since gotten it under control, but save my info incase you want to “Play” (giggle)
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Don’t save her info, she’s no fun, lol…
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RYN~ Okay, okay, fine. I can take a hint. But fix the damn pictures, you worthless excuse for a diarist guru! Kidding. Well, not about the fixing the pictures part. Why must you tease me so, Nunz?
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RYN~ That’s it, it’s official. You’re a dork. Nah, the red “X of death” is appearing. Oh well. I’ll try viewing it on another computer. And what, you REALLY like me? 🙂
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RYN~ I’d say the same for you, but it would go straight to your smaller head, I’m afraid!
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RYN~ The links don’t work! Better a machine error than a user error. Hah! 🙂
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sorry if i don’t join the chorus of genuflecting synchophants… however, i did appreciate everything that was written in this entry… Cheers!
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Solitary moments are a requirement for me.
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ryn~Can’t think of why I haven’t noted except that I’ve been doing more writing than reading. 🙂
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ryn: *smiles* Yes, I am. Ah, I’ve posted the invitation before, I worship its meaning in every sense. A lovely entry Bruce.
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Oh, Nunz… the glory of accountability that a major percentage of the population will never understand. Not achieve, mind you… because even with awareness it can be hard to achieve, but just to consider valid.. that would be a monumental shift in culture.
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Hi sweetie. Hope you’re having a good weekend!
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Smooth talker… : )
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RYN~ Okay, I see your point. But considering he knows how I feel about the situation, I think it was inappropriate for him to ask me. He had to have known what that was going to make me feel like (I know, I said “make me feel.” Deal with it. Haha.)
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I think you think of yourself as some kind of relationship and life guru! Heh. Can you really tell me that when you get cut-off in traffic, you don’t feel irritated? Can you tell me that when someone calls you fat and ugly that doesn’t slightly hurt your feelings? (I’m not calling you fat and ugly, I’m just trying to make a point.) I think you are trying to tell me to disconnect myself from…
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my feelings. My feelings are part of who I AM, part of my soul. Telling me I am not allowed feelings is like telling me I am not allowed to breathe (being that I am a very emotional person.) I think it’s misinterpreted; perhaps the message you are trying to convey is that instead of getting bent out of shape about something, handle it in a mature and kind way? I cannot just turn off the switch
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on my feelings and pretend they don’t exist. That would be denying part of myself, and I will not do that. People feel, Nunz. When they see a sad movie, they feel. When they get dumped, they feel. How is that wrong? How is that not what is so wonderful about humans? We all have entirely different beliefs, values, and feelings. Feelings don’t just go away…
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And that’s one woman’s opinion (I’ve alwatys wanted to say that! :P)
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RYN: Nope, dont think of myself as any guru. Nope, dont get irritated when cut-off in traffic or when someone calls me a name. Nope, didnt say DISCONNECT from, or that youre not allowed your feelings, or that its wrong to have feelings! What I said was Dont hold someone else responsible for your feelings since YOU give the meaning to all you experience. (Cont)
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2 – I know its confrontational thinking because to adopt it means we cant blame anyone for what we feel and blame is a very difficult narcotic to give up. Some people find the concept useful and some dont. Im ok with it if you dont. I was just trying to contribute to you. Best wishes,
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thought of you: Exploring A Course in Miracles with Jon Mundy Aug 13 – Aug 15–a self-study program of spiritual psychotherapy designed to help us remember God through the gentle release of ego structures. First published in 1976, this modern spiritual classic has sold more than 1.5 million copies. Youll learn the fundamental concepts in the course and take a close look at its basic metaphysics.
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I saw it at kripalu.org class listings. Blessings
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Smiles RYN: Yes, Mike always appreciates no panties 🙂
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Hello dahling. I was just about to email you. DO you have access to messenger or are you limited at work?
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Ryn: Yeah, sure I do. Can you help me? LOL…
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Ryn: Don’t I wish. I wouldn’t have let go of him if it was though. No OD for me, I’d have been writing letters from prison to people after he had me locked up, lol…
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Ryn: Sorry, Nunz, not my top, lol. I did have the top part of my left breast/boob/whatever, lol signed by a comedian this weekend though. My first time having someone autograph my body.
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Oh, and I do see your point, might as well just look, take it in and get it over with, lol…
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Are you ever going to write again?
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RYN~ Nope, I left it on private because I couldn’t get the pictures to show up. I’m trying to fix them! 🙂
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ryn: *hugs ya*… Smiling as I look at “Don’t Quit” on the wall. Thank you. Inadequate I know… But Thank you.
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In what way was this edited? Or did someone need to see it today so you altered it just a bit? This invitation, it’s a nice thing you know, if only it were more realistic.
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All I can say is..wow. Thank you. I am just an insecure teenager who knows nothing, and is confused about everything. Thank you for making things that much clearer. 🙂
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It matters to me most the time we get to spend together. Even in sharing our pain and our anger. What matters most and has held me the longest to my dearest friend is that even in our differences we are supportive of each other. I would trust with my life and everything I have even if we don’t agree .
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I look at shoes at a glance not because I’m calculating your net worth, but to check out how big your feet are. >;)
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Interesting read, thanx for sharing it. It brings up a lot of things to think about.
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Ryn: Ok, maybe it is realistic, but right now (for the last couple of years) I’ve been in a situation that I cannot leave. You’re right, I got myself where I am, I don’t blame anyone else, but I am disappointed in myself for not being better prepared. I should’ve done some things differently, then I could simply walk away and go do something better. I am too scared to do it right now though.
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Oh, and yes, going private with that note. I don’t want anyone to know I’m a scared little wimp, lol. I like you, truly I do. I think you are special. Not flirting, just saying.
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You love that, huh? What else warms you form?
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Ryn: I wasn’t trying to flirt. It just happens. Oops! I did it again, lol… No, no Bruce masks. If I’m with someone, I’m WITH THEM. I’m glad you are back on here, missed you. *kisses you back*
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This is great. ryn: Thank you for a different perspective. That said, I am still hurt and angry, and completely disappointed…for the hundredth time.
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I LOVE YOU!
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Well this was a nice entry … The Invitation was just exceptionally well written … I think I shall visit hurr more often, as well … Take care …
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Ryn: ha ha. I saw a cop outfit and nurse one I want, too!!! Will we play cowgirls and Indians? Who is this telling you they love you? hmmph. I’m so jealous, my eyes are even green. Oh, wait, they were before. But still – MY NUNZIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess I’ll have to get a cavegirl outfit, too, and beat her with the club.
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Nevermind, I just checked her out. (calming down) You won’t leave me for her, will ya? Wait, you are a ladies man. Not mine. : (
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You drive me crazy. So mysterious, aren’t you? Ugh. Men. LOL
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Ryn: I will give you the number after you tell me what a paper tiger is…I have so much to learn. LOL
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You are so mean, calling me a paper tiger, lol. How true! ok, 812-583-5386. Aren’t you two hours behind? In CA, right?
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Ryn: It is in my car. I am sitting at my desk at work. I cannot answer it from here!!! LOL. If you didn’t block your number, I’ll call it back in about 1 1/2 hours. Otherwise, call me back then, : )
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Oh, and…did you leave a message? ; )
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disregard last note. I guess I’ll just hear HA…I don’t get a real message. : (
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you never called me back. : (
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this is all so beautiful enjoy your diary found you through findingplace
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findingout is how i found ya…sorry i typed it wrong
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That invitation could have been written by me. It is like you have overheard all my complaints, comments, and advice. I even made up a saying:”I find beauty and release it.” I shortened it to “beautiful release” and tattooed it on my neck in japanese.
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I just started my own diary all about sex and my sexual fantasys i was inspired by my first orgasm today. Come note me! give me advice and ideas for my stories! Heather
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nice.
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You know… There are days or evenings as the case may be, that I would give most anything to sit ocean side, barefoot in the sand, good coffee in my hand and just talk with you until the sunlight turned to starlight and back again. I’ve just spent some time rereading and reading for the first time, several of your entries. From passion of the body to passion of the soul, you intrigue me- make me think and often smile. Thank you. Bailey
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