Summary

The provided text is a reflective poem by Jenny Justice that speaks to the acceptance of the present moment amidst feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, emphasizing the power of the mind to transform crisis into calm and purposeful action.

Abstract

In the poem titled "Okay," Jenny Justice explores the emotional landscape of confronting the present moment, which initially brings about feelings of waiting, wanting, and tension. The poem delves into the chaos and uncontrollable nature of life, acknowledging the instinctual responses of anxiety, control, and the tendency to forget the mind's capacity for resilience and strength. Justice emphasizes the importance of recognizing our fears and the limits of our control, while also affirming the potential for personal growth and the healing power of acceptance. The poem concludes with an affirmation of resilience, suggesting that by beginning to face our challenges, we are already halfway towards overcoming them, and that within the acknowledgment of the current reality lies a sense of personal power and the reassurance that "we are okay."

Opinions

The poem conveys a strong opinion on the necessity of accepting the present circumstances, suggesting that it is "for our good that we are here."
The author believes in the mind's ability to provide a foundation for strength and to act as a powerful force in overcoming adversity.
There is an opinion that the instinctual fight, flight, or freeze responses must be recognized and acknowledged to move past them.
The poem suggests that envisioning a way through difficult times is a key part of actually getting through them.
Jenny Justice seems to hold the view that taking intentional actions can transform fear into facing, worry into purpose, and crisis into calm.
The author implies that the process of beginning to tackle challenges is significant, as it signifies being halfway done, demonstrating the power of starting and the momentum it creates.

Okay

A Poem

And now that it is here what else can we do but Learn acceptance

We felt waiting we felt wanting we felt tension And now this

And all other feelings have to pass As we take hold of the moment that is now

That feels like chaos that feels like something we must Reign in that feels like we have to lean towards

Anxiety and control and forget about The realities of the mind as holding all possibility

The mind as providing the foundation for Strength in getting through the mind in being a powerful force

To turn crisis into calm to turn fear into facing to turn Worry into purposeful intentional actions

Things that take hold of us and lock us in Fight and flight and freeze must be

Seen for all that they are, we acknowledge the place of this fear We acknowledge the limits of our control we take note

Of our place in this and know and know and know that it is for our Good that we are here for our good that it is here for our good and that

If we see it if we envision it we Get through

Once begun is half done, she said, words through a phone words that opened up

Portals and landscapes that healed every single atom in my body

I have begun, we have begun now We are half done — we take up the task, we face it, we see

We feel deep within a sense Of our own power

We are okay This is okay

It is.

Jenny Justice, Poet. Author of Love in the Time of Climate Change and Reveal. You can read more of her poetry at Justice Poetic. Sign up for her newsletter here.

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