Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

We are not "in love"...

but, we are love.

I'm glad,

It lasts longer.

Portia Nelson, There's a Hole in My Sidewalk

Portia Nelson's book of poetry just got to me yesterday. The 35th edition, originally published in 1997. Though it's a classic, I have only ever read the opening poem, the most famous one in it - Autobiography in Five Short Chapters. It is used often in therapy groups including those recovering from addiction largely to teach mindfulness and help free us from old patterns. The poems speak to inner conflict, personal struggle, and personal growth. Nelson was an actor, composer, and singer.

As most of you know, I believe compassion is an ancient and time-tested (and now highly researched) path to the Good Life. And its practice is built on mindfulness. Noticing. Yourself. Without getting carried away. After that we can better move on to noticing others and walking together on the journey more effectively and joyfully. And I have always wanted to write about compassion (and my continued and aspiring journey) succinctly. That has been my struggle.

Re-reading Nelson's autobiographical poem helped me. It hit me deeply this morning and led to me writing my own autobiography afterwards. Perhaps the two autobiographies will offer something hopeful and helpful to you today.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

By Portia Nelson

I

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I fall in.

I am lost ... I am helpless.

It isn't my fault.

It takes me forever to find a way out.

II

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I am in the same place but, it isn't my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

III

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.

I still fall in ... it's a habit.

my eyes are open

I know where I am

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

IV

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

V

I walk down another street.

Copyright (c) 1993, by Portia Nelson from the book There's A Hole in My Sidewalk. 

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

June Darling

I

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

People fall in.

I am busy.

I do not see them.

I keep walking.

II

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

Someone falls in.

I see them.

I do not know them.

They are not like me.

I keep walking.

III

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

Someone falls in.

I see it happen.

I shake my head.

"They should know better.”

I keep walking.

IV

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

Someone falls in.

I stop.

I see their fear.

I see their wound.

They are human, like me.

I want to help.

I am afraid.

I cry.

I do not know what to do.

I walk away.

V

I walk down another street.

It looks the same.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

Someone falls in.

I stop.

I take a breath.

I look into the hole.

I see fear.

I see longing.

I see a human being.

I understand.

I squat beside them.

I call 911.

We wait together.

No matter what happens now.

All is well.

Yes, that last part of my autobiography is largely aspirational on many days as I mentioned earlier, (John is much better at it than I am) but I believe if I can imagine it, I can live into it.

The last verse was also inspired by the life of Chief of Police in Morristown, Tennessee, Roger Overholt. One story was shared about him arriving at the scene of an accident. A young teen girl was trapped under an overturned car. The night was cold and dark. It was clear that help would not arrive in time. Chief laid down beside her and found her hand. They held hands until the end.

How might we journey together to the Good Life by being more mindful and compassionate?

Sidebar: Go Team USA and a big WOW on those hockey players!! A nod to you, Matt and Sam Morton for helping us better understand the game. And as Sam Morton, our personal favorite hockey player, once said to me, "Why do people fight wars? Just get everybody playing hockey."

Sure, we might lose a few teeth (like Sam did and like Jack Hughes). I'm not as tough as those guys, but I'm in.