I Will Not Die an Unlived Life

Image of the Week
Image of the Week
NO DEJARÉ ESTA VIDA SIN HABERLA VIVIDO


No dejaré esta vida sin haberla vivido
No viviré con miedo
a caer o a quemarme.
Elijo habitar mis días,
dejar que mi existencia
me ensanche,
mitigue mi miedo,
me vuelva más disponible,
afloje mi corazón
hasta convertirlo en ala,
en linterna, en promesa.
Elijo sacrificar mi importancia;
vivir para que lo que llegó a mí como semilla
llegue al siguiente como flor
y lo que llegó a mí como flor,
llegue al otro como fruto.
---------------------------------


La poesía es una vela que mi alma me entrega, queriendo que encuentre la manera de recordar cómo es vivir la vida con pasión y propósito. La luz tan solo da para avanzar en el camino un paso cada vez, pero eso es todo lo que cada uno de nosotros necesita en realidad. [...]


Si tienes la valentía de dar forma a tu vida desde quien en esencia eres, despiertas y la sientes vibrando de verdad. Para eso tienes que soltar todo aquello que no es auténtico. Pero ¿cómo podrás siquiera conocer tu verdad si en el espacio de tu intimidad no bajas revoluciones? Cuando las paredes internas de tu alma están forradas de anuncios, de avisos y opiniones de todo aquel que te ha conocido o etiquetado alguna vez, lo mínimo que necesitas hacer al ir hacia dentro es una limpieza profunda.


En el viaje desde lo conocido hacia lo desconocido habremos de atravesar un abismo abierto al vacío. Al principio sentiremos desorientación y confusión. Más adelante, si estamos dispuestos a cruzarlo en actitud de fascinación curiosa y juguetona, nos adentraremos en un vasto e indómito territorio que posee su propia cadencia. Allí el tiempo se disuelve y los pensamientos se convierten en historias, en música, en poesía, en imágenes, en ideas. Se trata de la inteligencia del corazón, que no se limita albergar nuestras emociones; me estoy refiriendo a su amplio abanico de recursos para acoger y conectar, a la intuición, los cambios, la sabiduría, la creatividad, la sensibilidad, el sentido de lo que es bello, bueno e importante. Es aquí donde hallaremos nuestro propósito y nuestra pasión.


-- Dawna Markova, de “No Dejaré esta Vida Sin Haberla Vivido”
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49 Past Reflections
DA
Jan 12, 2026
Lol The "Anointing of Ease" is a Christian concept, popularized by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, referring to a divine spiritual power that removes burdens, destroys yokes (sin, fear, poverty, sickness), makes difficult tasks simple, brings effortless success, and grants supernatural favor, enabling believers to experience God's original plan for a life of less struggle and more divine ease, often linked to biblical figures like Joshua and Daniel. It's described as a supernatural grace that lightens loads, turns challenges into testimonies, and provides divine solutions, contrasting with lives of toil and distress. Key Aspects of the Anointing of Ease: Removes Burdens: Takes away heavy loads, making life lighter, as described in Isaiah 10:27. Makes the Difficult Easy: Converts hardship into ease and breaks stubborn barriers, allowing progress without intense struggle. Brings Supernatural Favor: Connects individuals to divine favor, making them successful and celebrated with less effort, lik... View full comment
DA
Jan 12, 2026
Sensational You Upright Spirit You Righteous Spirit WITH SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE
Sustaining An Exceptional Spirit Daniel 6:3
Sustaining An Excellent Spirit
Sustainable Excellence that is wonderful that is awesome
Exceptional
Extraordinary triumphant TRUMP X
DT
Jan 12, 2026
Excellent
O Most Excellent
LF
Lourdes Félix
Nov 10, 2025
A partir de los 50 años, hoy tengo 69, empecé a entender con claridad ese miedo que me había habitado y lastimado desde mi adolescencia, era el miedo de mi mamá, era su modo de amarme y amarnos. Aun está ahí, mas ya no inunda todos mis días y noches, e intento evitar que ese miedo nocivo se perpetúe en mis nietos.
CA
CARMEL
Oct 8, 2025
CHOOSE THE LIVE FULLY NOW, TIME IS IMPORTANT
DE
Demetria
Nov 27, 2024
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.
PA
Pat Apr 15, 2025
I normally would not reply to someone else’s comment. But I have to here as you wrote it on my last anniversary date. I was married in 1971 and my husband passed away in 2014. I had owned this book and was afraid to read it because I used to say if I wrote my autobiography it would be called “Pat Carbotti All About Richard”… my husband.
I owned this book and was afraid to read it and once he passed away, I knew I had to, and it has also been a corner stone for how I choose to live now.
“Living. a Loved Life” is what I am reading now. Dawna… , if you are reading this, please know that you are my favorite author as your stories touched me at the very deepest level personally. I hope you are well. I wish I could have seen and heard you speak somewhere!
Was so happy to read your comment Demetria.🩷
NS
Nolo Segundo
Jun 21, 2024
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?
AD
Adrian
Mar 13, 2024
Saw this on a lampshade in Penelope’s room in criminal minds and I believe it was fate that I found it
DA
Feb 23, 2024
Hello Guys, Glad to Join! :)
CO
connie
Jan 13, 2024
this poem was read in my yoga class tonight.....It affected me immensely
EZ
Edye ZielinskI
Sep 22, 2023
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!
BS
BS
Sep 17, 2023
AMEN!!!!!
S(
Shifra (Malka) Novograd
Jul 17, 2023
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.
NO
Nolo
Jul 13, 2023
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.
BA
Barbara Apr 20, 2025
❤️
JH
Judy Horowitz
May 6, 2023
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.
DP
Dawn Panther
Feb 19, 2023
Curiosity invokes the imagination. Our imagination is the language of the higher self.
JD
Jenet Dechary
Feb 8, 2023
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.
GE
Gertrude
Feb 1, 2023
striplife.ru
MM
Maria Moreno
Jan 5, 2023
Me encanto
SE
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AM
Amie
Jun 16, 2022
What's up, all is going sound here and ofcourse every one is
sharing data, that's genuinely fine, keep up writing. save refuges
DF
Dougie Fresh
May 29, 2022
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.
TG
Teresa gradolf
Mar 27, 2022
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
JS
joyce stillman Sep 15, 2025
leave- live your life
EH
Eloh Haii
Jan 3, 2022
Beautifully expressed 👌
MW
Martin Winbolt-Lewis
Nov 22, 2021
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.
BA
Barbara
Dec 30, 2020
Keep the positivity coming please
NA
Natasha
Sep 17, 2020
An beautiful everlasting reminder. xx
SH
Sharon
Sep 14, 2020
OW, WOW
PE
PEACE
Oct 8, 2019
I LOVE THIS PIECE. ITS REALLY BEAUTIFULL

CA
C.Anna Fisher
Jun 9, 2019
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
DM
Dale M. Tushman
Jun 1, 2019
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.
JO
John
Mar 16, 2019
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.
PH
Patty Howard-Veal
Jul 13, 2016

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. 

L"
Linda "Rainbow" Levine
Nov 9, 2015

 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

SM
Aug 4, 2008
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
FA
Fasihanazir
Apr 15, 2008
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....
DI
Feb 18, 2008
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.
BR
Feb 13, 2008
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
CP
Feb 12, 2008
Lovely photo too. Goes very well with the passage I think.
CP
Feb 12, 2008
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.
NI
Feb 12, 2008
When I read the part that says "Time melts and thoughts become stories, music, poems, images, ideas", that's precisely what happened. Beautiful passage.
MA
Martina
Feb 12, 2008
I will replace fearful thoughts with loving thoughts of Buddha and my own Buddha nature.
MU
muhoro
Feb 12, 2008
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.
SU
Feb 12, 2008
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
YA
yasho
Feb 12, 2008
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
DD
Feb 11, 2008
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