Strength To Endure Rumours

This poem reflects the challenge of facing unkind rumors—a struggle often encountered by those seeking to lead expansive lives and share their truths with the world. It examines the balance between discerning genuine feedback and projection, taking ownership of our shortcomings, and embracing the mutual right to freedom of speech. By adopting a broader perspective, this track ends with an invitation to recognize the smallness of rumors in the vastness of life.

This track is part of a series of 15 reflective poems on Insight Timer under the theme 'I Ask My Being,' each exploring an aspiration, its accompanying challenges, as well as observations to help find solace in the experience. Averaging around five minutes each, these poetic soliloquies are perfect for savasana, mindful walks, bedtime musings, and peaceful drives.

Each track features my narration, set to a neoclassical piano composition by Arash Behzadi.

Transcript

I ask for strength,

To endure unkind rumors,

Not to cave in,

But to surf through them.

Defamation can feel like waves,

Curling in to swallow me.

I ask for strength,

To fairly assess the source of criticism,

Discern the difference between the genuine and that which is projection,

To be mindful of my own propensity for denial and self-deception,

And to ask,

If I were an outsider,

Observing through their lens,

Would I deem their impression just?

If yes,

Then let them speak,

For I cannot begrudge them the truth they have leaked.

If no,

Then remember that freedom of speech is a mutual birthright,

For which there is always a rebuttal.

I ask for strength,

To soften the impact of those who shame,

Not to give them or their actions much weight,

And to know when to confront,

If ever it feels right.

I seek solace in past bravery,

Edmonia Lewis,

Marie Curie,

Nelson Mandela,

Nawal al-Saadawi.

Staring others to slander may be testament to one's courage and integrity.

I do not aspire to be without sorrow or spleen,

But when rumors overbear,

I wish to note their smallness in the grand scheme.

And to call to mind my mortality and the absurdity of trading slivers of life for an opinion.

Reviews

So beautiful and empowering. Experiences this so deeply a few months ago ❤️🙏🍂

🙏🏾 2025

Your words are amazing. Your wisdom profound.