31 : The Art of Small Steps

We’re going to head back into the High Country of the Mind next, but first let’s say a little prayer. This poem is about the art of small steps and it was written by the same author as another book you may have heard of called ‘The Little Prince,’ which also happens to be Helping Friendly Book 24. The author’s name is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and he’s definitely ‘read the book’ if you will. ‘The Little Prince’ is my favorite type of book because it’s actually the ancient teachings of the mystery schools wrapped up in a seemingly innocent book for ‘children’. This is a great way to hide the SEJNES is plain site and pass them down through the ages without arousing too much suspicion. It’s a parable, and I’m sure we’ll come back to it later in the journey, but for now, I just wanted to share this poem from the heart before we get back into the mind.

From ‘Be Here Now’ by Ram Dass

Lord, I’m not praying for miracles and visions, I’m only asking for strength for my days.
Teach me the art of small steps.
Make me clever and resourceful, so that I can find important discoveries and experiences
among the diversity of days.
Help me use my time better.
Present me with the sense to be able to judge whether something is important or not.
I pray for the power of discipline and moderation,
not only to run throughout my life,
but also to live my days reasonably,
and observe unexpected pleasures and heights.
Save me from the naive belief that everything in life has to go smoothly.
Give me the sober recognition that difficulties, failures, fiascos, and setbacks are
given to us by life itself to make us grow and mature.
Send me the right person at the right moment,
who will have enough courage and love to utter the truth!
I know that many problems solve themselves, so please teach me patience.
You know how much we need friendship.
Make me worthy of this nicest, hardest, riskiest and most fragile gift of life.
Give me enough imagination to be able to share with someone a little bit of warmth,
in the right place, at the right time, with words or with silence.
Spare me the fear of missing out on life.
Do not give me the things I desire, but the things I need.
Teach me the art of small steps!

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry