The Invitation

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“Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.”
- Rumi

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Psalm 46:10

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.”
- Mother Teresa

“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

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A Jinjagoliath poem:
22nd June 2025
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Listen to poem:

Imagine this An empty chair And opposite Another there You choose to sit You have a choice No movement. No whisper. Just silent voice You wait a while You close your eyes To calm the spinning.. Break bonds. Break ties Pretty soon You're feeling seen Such clarity Not like a dream Sat in the dark Creative light Invades your soul Joyful and bright The shadows Are no longer there No doubt or shame Just love and care Everything You've tried to own Is taken back To find it's home Just you And love A peace personified Like a dove Pure and white Creative thoughts Spread wings.. Take flight You're seen And there will ever be A harbour in The stormy sea A friend, so keen An advocate A place to rest Through garden gate Where peace resides And love, of course To meet you in This still discourse A chair. A bench.. It matters not Just find that space and Book your slot Bring all you have Your gifts and more The broken things Love can restore Just come No need for preparation That empty chair The invitation

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Bill Baker

Date: 7/3/2025 4:45:00 PM

Deep thoughts and meaningful words to ponder, Chris. I like the picture you chose to accent your poetry. Your words were well written and smoothly lead me down the path. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us through your poetry. Bill p.s. I also enjoyed the quotes you shared. I'm following your poetry now. :-)

Christopher Grieves
Date: 7/7/2025 9:14:00 PM

Hi there Bill.. Great to have your endorsement, thank you. Hope all is well with you.. blessings Cx

Maria Williams

Date: 6/25/2025 7:22:00 AM

Dear Chris,This is absolutely beautiful — gentle, grounding, and full of quiet wisdom. It reads like an embrace for the soul, an invitation to simply be — with all our broken and beautiful parts. The imagery of the empty chair becomes something sacred… a space for healing, reflection, and love. Truly moving and beautifully narrated...Hugs .

Christopher Grieves
Date: 6/25/2025 2:32:00 PM

I would love to do what you do and put this to a meditative video, but it is much more about being seen than seeing x Bless you for your constant enthusiasm and encouragement. C xx

Christopher Grieves
Date: 6/25/2025 2:28:00 PM

https://www.moma.org/audio/playlist/243/3133?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Christopher Grieves
Date: 6/25/2025 2:28:00 PM

Also here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Abramovi%C4%87

Christopher Grieves
Date: 6/25/2025 2:27:00 PM

Thank you dear Maria x I wrote this for a specific event inspired by an installation by the artist Marina Abramovic (see above) but also the Franciscan practice of silent or listening prayer x