In June, I participated in a week-long Soulcraft immersion, which helped me rediscover and awaken the more imaginal and poetic parts of my psyche.
Since then, I’ve been consuming a steady stream of poetry, which continues to inspire me in unexpected ways—sparking new reflections and opening up deeper layers of creativity.
As part of this rediscovery, I returned to Smoke Signals, a phenomenal poetry book curated by Reboot, the leadership development firm. This collection of poems was published to support entrepreneurs on their journey, and it’s been a meaningful source of reflection and inspiration for me, especially as I continue to evolve Downshift.
A few weeks ago, while making my way through Smoke Signals, I came across For Longing, a poem by John O'Donohue, the Irish poet and philosopher known for his profound writings on spirituality, longing, and human experience. This poem touched me deeply, and I found myself returning to it in the days that followed.
Over the weekend, at the Founder Satsang retreat, I had the opportunity to lead a "wisdom share" on the topic of longing. To open the session, I shared the poem, which beautifully captures the depths of desire and the unspoken inner call we all experience at different stages in life. It resonated with the group as much as it has with me—reminding us of the power in acknowledging our longings and the courage it takes to follow them.
I hope you find this poem as inspiring and moving as I do—and may it guide you toward what you’re truly longing for.
For Longing, John O’Donohue
blessed be the longing that brought you here
and quickens your soul with wonder.
may you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire
that disturbs you when you have settled for something safe.
may you have the wisdom to enter generously into your own unease
to discover the new direction your longing wants you to take.
may the forms of your belonging— in love, creativity, and friendship — be equal to the grandeur and the call of your soul.
may the one you long for long for you.
may your dreams gradually reveal the destination of your desire.
may a secret providence guide your thought and nurture your feeling.
may your mind inhabit your life with the sureness
with which your body inhabits the world.
may your heart never be haunted by ghost-structures of old damage.
may you come to accept your longing as divine urgency.
may you know the urgency with which God longs for you.