If this World were my Classroom
If this World were my classroom
I would greet each day as a lesson
I would treat each person as a teacher
And accept each moment as an opportunity to learn.
If this World were my classroom
I would sit very, very still
And pay close attention
So as not to miss a single thing.
I would peer excitedly
Into the pages of every new dawn
Like a newly opened
Gift. 
With reinvigorated anticipation
I would learn
That radiant acquiescence
Is the secret to contentment.
If this World were my classroom
I would try not to run ahead in impatience
Neither be held back by my own unbelief
For I would see with new eyes.
If this World were my classroom
I would learn to recognise
The false masters
Of Vain Imaginings and Idle Fancies. 
When I gaze at the scattering stars above
The wonder that grips my soul
Would be no less than the wonder I feel
When I gaze into the depths of my own heart.
For there resides the Universe
Strong
Mighty
And powerful.
If this World were my Classroom
I would learn from the trees
The birds
The humble pebble.
If this World were my Classroom
I would learn from adversity
And prosperity
For they are one.
If this World were my Classroom
I would be less alarmed
By the shifting shadows and mirages
Of my own mind.
I would seize this chance
To cultivate the landscape of my soul
To plant in the garden of my heart
Love and compassion. 
And yet, I would be patient
With myself
And others
For seeds take time to grow.
If this World were my Classroom
The Fashioner of mysteries and miracles
Is my Teacher
And the only question
Worth asking at lessons’s end
is
“Art Thou well pleased with me?”
so beautiful..
These thoughts were written in those moments of unexpected clarity that sometimes visit us when we are still. It was a revelation to myself that I just wrote a poem! 😀 Thank you for sharing with me in this journey of learning Carolina. With love, Sharon
So lovely and profound, Sharon; thank you: what a blessing to celebrate our day of Thanksgiving! Gentle peace, my beautiful friend!
My dear Kitty,
Thank you so much for taking the time to come over on this special day! I count myself blessed to know someone like you to share on this momentous journey of discovery in this Great Classroom of life. Happy Thanksgiving my dear friend! And for me, gentle peace is a most beautiful blessing to receive. Love, Sharon
I simply adore you Sharon! Sending love and gratitude your way this cold Virginia day of Thanksgiving.
Oh Diane, you always bring much warmth no matter how cold it may be where you are right now! Hugs dear one and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. May you never run out of things to be thankful for the whole year through! Much love, Shaz
I love these words that you share. Thank you.
Dear Lulu,
How good of you to drop by! Thank you for your kind message and what a beautiful Thanksgiving it must have been at yours! Sharon
Lovely words and your photographs-such delicacy and beautiful color!
Dear Meg!
A warm welcome to the blog and a pleasure to meet you and the delightful Trio at home 😀 Loving your art and photography and looking forward to catching up with you again. Arf, Sharon
Very beautiful and insightful. Calls for pause and inner reflection. Thank you Sharon!
Thank you dear Tiny for taking the time to come by on this special day to stop and pause with me for a little while on this journey of life we are taking together. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all at home! Much love, Sharon
Beautiful words and photographs Sharon…much love to you my friend. 🙂
Dear Carol,
That means so much. Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful to know someone like you. Hugs, Sharon
Wonderful, moving words, my friend. Thanks so much for sharing them, especially on this day of thanks. Wishing you and yours the best of days.
My dear Barney,
Thank you so much. It is always such a joy to hear from you and especially today when you are celebrating a special day with family. Sending you my warmest blessings and love and a very Happy Thanksgiving! Sharon
Stunning, thank you. Wonderful to carry this reading into Thanksgiving day. Sending my best to you and yours,
Amrita
Dear Amrita,
It means so much to hear from you especially on Thanksgiving. Thank you for your warm wishes and most of all for the pleasure of reading your insightful posts. All happiness to you and your loved ones. Sharon
Dear Sharon,
your words and photos are most touching, a wonderful post!
A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Dina x
That means a lot coming from you Dina! Thank you so much and much love to you and your dear ones! Hugs, Sharon
Hi Sharon, What a beautiful poem, post and photos!
If this World were my teacher I would bow down in humble appreciation for the wisdom and beauty of your words. If this World were my teacher I would be so grateful for receiving the gift of you and your post. LIKE, LIKE, LIKE!!!
Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. May you continue to shine and bless us with your words and photos. Happy Thanksgiving, Brad
Dear Brad,
Your kind words stayed with me over the weekend filling my heart with gratitude! Your heart shines through every single time you write, every single time you reach out to another soul. How very, very blessed I am to have a classmate to learn with and to learn from in you. With deep appreciation and thankfulness, Sharon
Thanks again Sharon for your kindness and radiance. I will happily walk beside you as student/ teacher/ friend to each other on the journey. Blessings, Brad
Dear Sharon,
You, once again, are leading by example. Thank you for these beautiful lessons and photos.
Dearest Anne,
You favour me with your wonderful presence here. Thinking of you and wishing you and your dear family Happy Hanukkah! With much love from me, Sharon
Beautiful words and a beautiful message. Loved it!
Dear Anjali!
A warm welcome to you and thank you so much for taking the time to leave me this message. So glad to know you liked this post. It is lovely reading your thoughts and I look forward to hearing from you again. Sharon
Beautifully composed combination of words and images, Sharon! I love the idea of the world as our classroom, the nod to “the Fashioner of mysteries and miracles,” and the closing line! As always, you inspire. Blessings to you and your family, Mark
Dear Mark,
It always means so much when you come over and drop me a line. My husband Sam often asks about you, for in so many ways your life and your work have touched and inspired us deeply. I somehow knew you would understand this poem. Thank you for your blessings and much love from our family to yours! Do keep in touch. Sharon
Dear Sharon, Say hello to Sam for me please! I am grateful to have your online friendship, because your blog is one I am especially drawn to. I wonder if you would mind if I re-blogged this entry. I will await your answer. Peace, Mark
Dear Mark,
Oh it would be an honour! Thank you so much. I will definitely send your regards to Sam. He would be delighted 😀 Blessings to you and yours…
Such lovely thoughts and stunning photos Sharon!
Moi Elina! Kiitos kovasti! 😀 Sharon
🙂
Dear Sharon, I love your young and beautiful spirit that wraps around your old and wise soul. Thank you for such a simple yet profound message. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. ~Susan
Dear Susan,
How very kind of you to visit and leave me this lovely warm note! Thank you for your warm wishes. And may Thanksgiving live on in our hearts the whole year through! Hugs, Sharon p.s. I’m unable to click on your name link above. Take care and wishing you a really good day!
You put your great spirit into your words in a way that teaches all of us. Thank you.!
Thank you for your kind words. This poem came from being taught in the great Classroom of Life. Much love, Sharon
I am sure we are in the same classroom Sharon, learning, laughing, loving and most of all appreciating every moment of this life! Your words touch my soul I feel connected to the same hopes and dreams. I am amazed how your words can connect the world.
Isn’t it an awesome thought that we are all in this great classroom learning, laughing and loving life together! I have learnt dedication and discipline from you. Kath, what an inspiration! To the best lessons and joys yet ahead fellow classmate! Sharon
Happy to be in the same classroom as you, we will never stop learning Sharon.
So much wisdom, beauty, love, inspiration, and gratitude in a single post! Bravo, Sharon! May you long continue to be a beacon of hope, light and warmth for all those who stumble in frigid darkness, desperately lonely and afraid.
Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
So much wisdom, beauty, love, inspiration, and gratitude in a single post! Bravo, Sharon! May you long continue to be a beacon of hope, light and warmth for all those who stumble in frigid darkness, desperately lonely and afraid.
Thank you so much Russ for your kind reblog. I really do believe you take the edge and hardness out of life with your compassionate ways dear friend. I wish you all success and may your books transform hearts everywhere. Sharon
What beautiful and inspiring words and images Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing them in this lovely post. xx
I’m discovering the beauty of poetry writing Cathy! Thank you for your kind encouragement. Much love, Sharon
Much food for thought on this feasting day! Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Thank you Gunta and hope that you and your loved ones had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Looking at your spectacular shots, I somehow know that everday brings something to be thankful for where you are. Sharon
Beautiful and wise. Lots to think about at the end of this day of Thanksgiving.
Dear Kristine,
Life is good and how much better to get to spend it with our loved ones at Thanksgiving. I see you guys had a fabulous time! Thank you so much for coming by and may we always have lots to be thankful for. Sharon
As always, such an inspiring and beautiful post. Wise words and amazing photos, the perfect match. Thank you for sharing them, those words resonate in this busy time. Much love my dear friend.
Dearest Rosa,
Your words fill my heart with warmth and love. Thank you for reading my thoughts on life’s journey and most of all for being there as we walk through this great classroom of life. Friends are such precious gifts. We must catch up soon. It’s been too long! Miss you and love to those math whizzes at home!! 😀 Hugs, Sharon
Your pictures and your words are so beautiful.
I am learning from you a lot. Thanks!!
It is such a pleasure to hear from you! I believe we all learn so much from each other. Your dedication to your family inspire me every single time. Thank you for sharing with us the joy of family and home. With much love, Sharon
Inner peace is a gift not given to many. You combine words and imagery to inspire us to that goal. Thanks you, Sharon.
Thank you Andrew for your kind message. Please know I appreciate it very much. I hope Mrs Ha is much better after seeking TCM and that you are now enjoying your island getaway. Keep us posted and happy hols! Sharon
Reading your poem was a great way to start my day, Sharon. It very much reflects my own beliefs, but sometimes I forget. So I took a few minutes to hear the sounds of the morning waking up. A Boat Tailed Grackle was particularly talkative. –Curt
Dear Curt,
I love that phrase “the sounds of the morning waking up.”! Thank you for introducing me to your talkative Boat Tailed Grackle. (I went and listened to one on youtube :D) There is so much beauty and attention to detail in your photography, I am sure you spend much time soaking it in. Thank you for dropping by. It’s been good getting to know you. Sharon
Likewise, Sharon. –Curt
So beautiful, Sharon. If we could only allow ourselves to escape into simple aspects of nature and really learn from them, we would be so much wiser. We limit ourselves by not letting go and really experiencing life around us.
How well said Becky. It is so true and I have come to cherish my walks in the woods for I have come to realise that so many of my deepest revelations and lessons are learnt in the silence of nature. Thank you for sharing in this journey of discovery with me. Sharon
Just lovely
Dear Andrea,
Thank you! I spent the morning immersed in your poetry. They continue to dance on my soul. I am discovering the joy of writing the odd poetry which comes upon me at times! Sharon
So glad you enjoyed them and playing with your own words too… It’s fun
What a wonderful gift are these words. Lovely work, Sharon.
Always blessed by your encouragement Pat. And thinking of you always bring a smile…Love to all your little garden visitors! Hugs, Sharon
This is a beautiful poem.
Thank you Elizabeth! Your latest thoughts on Justice and Mercy have got me thinking. Will get back to you! Have a wonderful day, lovely you! Sharon
Do that, I am fascinated by the topic. The death of Nelson Mandela epitomizes that clash of values. What a great man to have been able to let forgiveness win.
Have a great weekend.
Beautiful words and images. And isn’t it wonderful what we find in our own hearts ? 🙂
I’m currently reading Anita Moorjani’s “Dying To Be Me”. It will take us a lifetime to fully realise our own magnificence and yet what utter loss if we never even begin to realise our true worth and what our hearts contain. Thank you so much for stopping by. Always a delight to see you lover of medlars and posies! Sharon
Just had a quick listen to an interview with Anita Moorjani. We are amazing creatures.
Just beautiful, Darling Poet! If the world were a classroom, you would be my teacher! Love, Fae.
My dear Fae,
I was taking a walk in the woods yesterday with your comment safely tucked in my heart. And I thought, I want to be like you when I grow up. To have a big generous heart that just keeps giving so much love. Thank you always for giving me so much. Sharon
♥
Beautiful. If this world were a classroom, you would be one of my favourite teachers.
Dear Chris,
I have no words. (again) Your generous spirit humbles me. Thank you. Sharon
Sharon, I believe the world has been your classroom for quite some time now, as it has been mine. May we continue to learn humbly and with gratitude. With love, Jeanne
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Your words and images are just lovely…. THANK you for sharing! They’re such a beautiful reminder to us all.
Oh thank you so much. It’s a treat to have you here C! I’ve missed you and looking forward to your next post. Here’s wishing you a wonderful season of joy and discovery! Hugs, Sharon
so beautiful Shaz. Love your words. big hugs. Renee ♥
Dearest Renee,
I believe this blog just wouldn’t be the same without you here sharing in my journey. Thank you for the love and kindness always. Hugs, Shaz
OH Shaz… you continue to touch my heart. Thank-you so much. You are a special friend. hugs ,, Renee ♥
I did not know you wrote poetry. This is a beautiful piece, inspiring and thought provoking. I love your words, Sharon.
I do believe planet earth is a classroom and life/spirit is our teacher. All that is required of us as students is to be quiet and listen carefully. Thank you for sharing your gift. Hugs, Brenda
Dearest Brenda,
Thank you for taking the words of my heart and cherishing them. And I didn’t know you wrote poetry either! I just found out today! Thank you for teaching us all to listen. Much love to you, Sharon
A poem carved in truth, words that stand in sharp relief above a world which would rise to consume you. Beautiful, wise, loving, sacred and joyful. Like you, my friend. Love, Vivian
Did you write this? Its beautiful!
Beautiful sentiments paired so well with the photos.
So beautiful! And the good news: The world IS our classroom!
You are fascinated with the very same oddities of nature that I am: the curly ferns, and those buds at the top (can someone please tell me what they are…)!
The world is definitely our classroom, and it’s why kids need to get outside, to travel, to explore. That was my immediate thought when I read your heading.
Beautiful photos again!! I can see it’s cold… X
What a post Sharon….it’s poetry…so simple yet so profound…matched by your lovely photos..i read it a few times..slowly trying not to
“run ahead in impatience…”…
will surely revisit this …again …and again..
take care
sriram
How so very beautiful Sharon ! These are words of true wisdom, words to live by…
And your photos are superb. Have a lovely day 🙂
Love!
Always so wonderful words and photos. Filled with light.
This is absolutely incredible Sharon. Thank you so much for sharing your light and love of life with us here. Every visit inspires my heart. Brightest blessings, Gina
Beautiful poem, Sharon. 🙂 Isn’t it so true? We learn from everything around us.
Blessings to you and yours, Sharon. Have a wonderful day.
P.S. Your pictures are ever lovely.
Your photos are breathtaking! I am in awe!
Photos are precious, precious!!!
Absolutely beautiful, both the words and the photos. You’ve outdone yourself!
How beautifully this works together, words and images. Bravo!
Reblogged this on dreamprayact and commented:
I don’t normally “Reblog” someone else’s writing. I am making an exception because I want to share the unique perspective of Sharon, someone I only know through the blogging community, and yet I feel a connection with her and her family because of the transparency of her writing and photography. Her blog consistently offers a window upon the world that is full of wonder and questioning, gratitude and awe, and these are the very qualities that I try to cultivate in my own life. So please enjoy this blog post from my friend Sharon! Blessings, Mark
This is an amazing post. Always a delight to read from you, Kakak Sharon. Blessings and love to you ♥
This is terrific.
So wonderful Sharon, you truly are an inspirational poet 🙂
Beautiful is the word