I Will Not Die an Unlived Life
I will not die an unlived life
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
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The poem is a candle that my soul holds out to me, requesting I find a way to remember what it is to live a life with passion, on purpose. There is only enough light to take the journey step by step, but that is all any of us really needs. [...]
When you have the courage to shape your life from the essence of who you are, you ignite, becoming truly alive. This requires letting go of everything that is inauthentic. But how can you even know your truth unless you slow down, in your own quiet company? When the inner walls to your soul are graffitied with advertisements, commercials, and the opinions of everyone who has every known and labeled you, turning inwards requires nothing less than a major clean-up.
Traveling from the known to the unknown requires crossing an abyss of emptiness. We first experience disorientation and confusion. Then if we are willing to cross the abyss in curious and playful wonder, we enter an expansive and untamed country that has its own rhythm. Time melts and thoughts become stories, music, poems, images, ideas. This is the intelligence of the heart, but by that I don't mean just the seat of our emotions. I mean a vast range of receptive and connective abilities, intuition, innovation, wisdom, creativity, sensitivity, the aesthetic, qualitative and meaning making. It is here that we uncover our purpose and passion.
--Dawna Markova, From "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life"
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41 Past Reflections
On Nov 27, 2024 Demetria wrote :
This poem left an indelible mark on me. It is a cornerstone of my life. It informs how I go out into the world. I first read it in the late 80's. I was already becoming an adult but it so permeated my heart that I immediately added it to my mindset.
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On Jun 21, 2024 Nolo Segundo wrote :
I very much like this and can well relate to the poem but I wonder how many people life their lives in hesitation, even fear?
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On Mar 13, 2024 Adrian wrote :
Saw this on a lampshade in Penelope’s room in criminal minds and I believe it was fate that I found it
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On Jan 13, 2024 connie wrote :
this poem was read in my yoga class tonight.....It affected me immensely
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On Sep 22, 2023 Edye ZielinskI wrote :
Thank you! I have read and read your book many times snd have gifted many with it over the years. Am reading again now in a time of much need wisdom it is truly a treaobook from a treasured woman!
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On Jul 17, 2023 Shifra (Malka) Novograd wrote :
Dawna's life-building sentiment expressed so clearly here correlates closely with what I call "mattering," laid out in my memoir, DARE TO MATTER: Lessons in Living a Large Life (Green Writer's Press, October 2020).
Her lines here that resonate powerfully include: There is only enough light to take the journey step by step; when you have the courage to shape your life from the essence of who you are; traveling...requires crossing an abyss of emptiness.
When we make the choice to opt in, which we have to do over and over and over again, we take those steps to "fully inhabit our days." What other choice is there really, if we wish to be the influence we are here to be? There is pain, of course, in traversing this journey, but the cost of shortchanging ourselves by not doing it is even more painful.
Her lines here that resonate powerfully include: There is only enough light to take the journey step by step; when you have the courage to shape your life from the essence of who you are; traveling...requires crossing an abyss of emptiness.
When we make the choice to opt in, which we have to do over and over and over again, we take those steps to "fully inhabit our days." What other choice is there really, if we wish to be the influence we are here to be? There is pain, of course, in traversing this journey, but the cost of shortchanging ourselves by not doing it is even more painful.
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On Jul 13, 2023 Nolo wrote :
I was beat to the edge of death. I was threatend with abandenment. It was the choice to live that saved me. Do not be afraid. Chose to live.
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On May 6, 2023 Judy Horowitz wrote :
Thank you, Ms. Markova, for this poem, which I first saw in Oprah Magazine years ago. Your words are a beacon to those bravely holding the helm, adrift in a stormy sea...a star in a moonless sky for a traveler daring to forge a path through a thick forest--praying for an opening. Praying for dawn.
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On Feb 19, 2023 Dawn Panther wrote :
Curiosity invokes the imagination. Our imagination is the language of the higher self.
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On Feb 8, 2023 Jenet Dechary wrote :
Thank you! I took your class years ago! I have one of your books, now in storage since I am assisted living. Best t you.
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On Sep 3, 2022 Seymour wrote :
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On Jun 16, 2022 Amie wrote :
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On May 29, 2022 Dougie Fresh wrote :
If I write down that my life is beautiful and share with others,then the universe has no option than to make it so. If I choose to do nothing my life will not change.
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On Mar 27, 2022 Teresa gradolf wrote :
Psalms91 My lord us rules over heaven and earth I bind and bound every demon involved in the this conspiracy with my husband Steve gradolph I bind and bound hus harlots iam the wife I say these things in the authority of jesus christ and in the name of jesus christ and the blood of jesus christ
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On Nov 22, 2021 Martin Winbolt-Lewis wrote :
I value the courage to be expressed in this poem. We are largely trained to live out of our persona in western culture. The beauty and mystery of the discovered self is a risk worth taking, but a road less travelled, to quote a well worked thought.
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On Jun 9, 2019 C.Anna Fisher wrote :
Dawna Markova you hold the flame to light a path for others to discover their calling to ‘...Not Die an Unlived Life’ and discover a new horizon to boldly move towards ... thank you
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On Jun 1, 2019 Dale M. Tushman wrote :
I've had this poem forever I think. I made it into a bookmark and then gave them away at my 70th b'day. I've used it w/clients in my therapy practise as well. It goes to the core.
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On Mar 16, 2019 John wrote :
Add this to science fiction, where a frustrated individual feels cheated from life's overwhelming options. Manipulating time to explore all available timelines, could infringe on others, or our original timeline, thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. As we get older, stamina prevents us from exploring outside the box, away from memories we want to relive, or forget. Decisions are often clouded in emotional anticipation, where reality becomes twisted beyond our ability to control it. Live for the now, away from the distractions or petty social expectations. It's your life, and it's not for sale.
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On Jul 13, 2016 Patty Howard-Veal wrote :
Rediscovering my passions and my authentic self. After many challenges, I've come away stronger than ever. I'm seeking cohesiveness between what I believe, what I say, and what I do, and helping others do the same.
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On Nov 9, 2015 Linda "Rainbow" Levine wrote :
Dear Dawna,
I teach a course at San Jose State University, as well as speak at companies, coach and write online. I would like to use your poem and the above passage in my teaching and coaching. May I get your permission to do so please? i admire your work and the book has touched and inspired me and i have shared it with many women in my circle and students on my path.
Thanks- Linda "Rainbow" Levine San Jose State University and Surprise Enterprise
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On Aug 4, 2008 smav wrote :
As i sit here in my office, relecting and mediating on this passage, I can only thank God who lives in me for that's where my answer will be also.For a moment there, i was just troubled, too many emotions, too many considerations to make...but such healing words urge you on to take the leap, it says go on jump for your life, don't be scared, whatever the outcome, its not in vain-you wouldn't have known, dont bee too pleasing, you only have one life 7 that's to live it to the fullest. Right now, i've found teh answer, it may seem selfish to others, but thank God, I'm looking inwards, and this is what i see " Only God is the limit", Don't be scared to make that desicion, that's my inner man crying, oh i'm so everjoyed, i'm freeing my soul right now, today, for anyone who will hurt along with my decision-please forgive me Lord, let them find peace once more for i've found mine.
I love you people, i love life, i love evrything Good.
Be blessed
I love you people, i love life, i love evrything Good.
Be blessed
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On Apr 15, 2008 Fasihanazir wrote :
Even when one decides not to live an unlived life,not necessarily it brings any relief. Coz life cannot be lived in isolation & one cannot force & compel those who can make one's life to be with one against their wish! Some things are realy beyond one's control, howsoever hard one may try to transform oneself....
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On Feb 18, 2008 Dipali wrote :
I sit in this garden of mine
Speechless & wonder-struck;
I walk in it gently with bare feet,
For it is now holy land.
We must keep our lnner life orderly.We must keep it up. This cannot be done by someone else.If there is a lack of fervor, increase it, double it, treble it, & the lack will be crowded out. There are times when spiritual lethargy overpowers everyone, but the brave heart rises above it & overcomes it. The Supreme Being is never far away from us. It is because of our conception of Him that He seems far away. We hold Him aloof by our attitude of mind. We draw Him close through simple faith & purity of heart.
Speechless & wonder-struck;
I walk in it gently with bare feet,
For it is now holy land.
We must keep our lnner life orderly.We must keep it up. This cannot be done by someone else.If there is a lack of fervor, increase it, double it, treble it, & the lack will be crowded out. There are times when spiritual lethargy overpowers everyone, but the brave heart rises above it & overcomes it. The Supreme Being is never far away from us. It is because of our conception of Him that He seems far away. We hold Him aloof by our attitude of mind. We draw Him close through simple faith & purity of heart.
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On Feb 13, 2008 brvhrt wrote :
Here's how I am making that journey
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green [1] pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
This is God's wisdom and when you replace it with worldly wisdom and knowledge isn't that foolish? I am not judging but discerning. All the intellectualism wouldn't help you stand before the Glory of God.
God Bless you all and may He lead you all to the Truth which is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross and His Resurrection!... [View Full Comment]
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On Feb 12, 2008 choclet pi wrote :
Lovely photo too. Goes very well with the passage I think.
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On Feb 12, 2008 choclet pi wrote :
The 'Thoughts of the Week' are often strangely appropriate for my own (far less inspired) thoughts of that week!
Thank you for these lovely little gifts.
Thank you for these lovely little gifts.
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On Feb 12, 2008 nisha wrote :
When I read the part that says "Time melts and thoughts become stories, music, poems, images, ideas", that's precisely what happened. Beautiful passage.
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On Feb 12, 2008 Martina wrote :
I will replace fearful thoughts with loving thoughts of Buddha and my own Buddha nature.
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On Feb 12, 2008 muhoro wrote :
as i walk into the valley of the unknown, i fear no evil , no challenges no man because am guided by the most high who controls every thing in tha world as he guided the israelists through night and day he guides me and i believe in him. i do not trust or believe any man but only him . ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find.AND THAT IS GOD ALMIGHTY.
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On Feb 12, 2008 supun wrote :
While I was traveling in Sri Lanka with Be The Cause, there was some bomb blasts going off. The official cease-fire was ending. There never really was a end to the killing so all the end of the cease-fire meant was that killing would be more frequent again. While we were traveling we wanted to do something for peace. We visited Sarvodaya in Morotuwa and learned "Peace Meditation". Later I had a chance to talk to kids at a rural school about what Peace means to them. I learned alot from that. Sukh started to speak through me when I asked them that everytime they hear of a bomb blast that they should motivate themselves to work for peace to do something small or big personally or by creating a team. But 2 more more bomb blasts happened and I was not able to keep my promise and do something at that moment (I'm still trying to conceive something, I think). One great big tool for me was reading Gandhi-ji's "Criticsm of Modern Civilisation". In it he says that Satyagrahists should be able t... [View Full Comment]
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On Feb 12, 2008 yasho wrote :
when I am in pain
I will turn myself
to the buddha
and reflect on him
and start to search
inside
to find a glimpse
of my true nature
I will turn myself
to the buddha
and reflect on him
and start to search
inside
to find a glimpse
of my true nature
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On Feb 11, 2008 david dunlop wrote :
Living for the first time ! ! !
In the presence of a Mahatma
Healing Humanity
Chris Celine accepted my request to start coming to Bay Area to give satsangs.
When I met her in Nov in Ashland OR, I realized I was living for the first time........Heart Awakened, A Loving heart is the Turest Knowledge.
RE: chrisceline.com soon to be .org
Chris writes of her upcoming March visit:
Love mail
My beloved and holy flower petals of God..
I am here reflecting and continuing to bask in the sweet nectar of our time in form together last month..
I am aware of the continued healing that is unfolding within your hearts...I am holding you in the strength of our oneness..as Love Eternal reveals Itself..
I will be in the Bay Area again March 7-9 for a week to 10 days... There will be several satsangs and possibly time for private sessions if that is called for.. We will continue to update this unfolding..
Blessed sweet beloveds.. One Heart ,One Breath..Love Eternal.. Chris ... [View Full Comment]