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 dreams,

for the adventure of being alive.

I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,

if you have been opened by life's betrayals

or have become shriveled and closed

from fear or further pain. 

I want to know if you can be with joy, 

mine or your own;

if you can dance with wildness and 

let ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, 

be realistic, 

or to remember the limitations of being a human.

I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.

I want to know if you can see beauty even if it's not pretty every day. 

It doesn't interest me where you live or how much money you have.

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.”

Excerpts from 'The Invitation'

Inspired by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, 

Native American Elder, 1994

Tristan Montoya

Student of Life, Inc.

Skype: tristan.montoya

email: tristan@studentoflifejourney.com

** Please sign up for your free newsletter to keep on top of the journey in progress **