In the spirit of Iteneris, this poem is also a traveler. I first obtained it from Teresa Smith-Dixon, a local hospice manager who shared it during the passing of a dear community member and wife of my friend and mentor, David Still. I shared the poem with Mary Shippy who shared it with Simone Poutnik who read it during the inter-generational gathering of the Pioneers of Change at Axladitsa in 2008. From there, it ended up on the Evolutionary Nexus website before finally getting attribute to Dr. Alan Wolfelt from the Center for Loss and Transition in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Thank you Dr. Wolfert on behalf of all the people who have been touched by these words and inspired by the vision of Companioning.
Companioning is about being present to another person’s pain;
It is not about taking away the pain.
Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being;
it is not about thinking you are responisble for finding the wayout.
Companioning is about honoring the spirit;
it is not about focusing on the intellect.
Companioning is about listening with the heart;
it is not about analyzing with the head.
Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggles of others;
it is not about judging or directing those struggles.
Companioning is about walking alongside;
it is not about leading or being led.
Companioning means discovering the gifts of the sacred silence;
it is not about filling up everymoement with words.
Companioning is about respecting disorder and confusioin;
it is not about imposing order and logic.
Companioning is about learning from others;
it is not about teaching them.
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