A Wisdom of Participation

Rocking gently

caressed by the soft strums of a guitar

candle flame swaying with the tune

fragrance of cedar and fir

cozy warmth of being nestled in my chair

surrendering my defenses to receive the gifts of the day

curious, willing, vulnerable

present

wondering about the mysterious magic of it all

how we each get our allotment of time to experience the complexities of life

every being generously offered encounters with pleasure and pain

bestowed tenderhearted opportunities to feel and honor

to love and let go

and to confront the mind taking over to try to figure things out

to solve an illusory puzzle

whose pieces can only be connected

through the heart – –

a wisdom of participation

Poetry can be a doorway to the soul and your own creativity. Throughout the ages, the written word has been used as a means to access personal truth and as a vehicle for prayer through the practice of sacred reading (lectio divina). I encourage you to try this beautiful practice and let its truths to be self-evident.

Read+Reflect+Respond+Rest

READ the passage through slowly more than once, noticing how it feels in your body and the response of your heart.

REFLECT: What word resonates with you? What phrase speaks to you? What overall personal meaning comes to you? Allow yourself to follow a tangent.

RESPOND by making space for the prayer of your heart to manifest. Write down the words and/or phrases that resonate with you, and allow them to arrange themselves into your own poem or prayer.

REST with your eyes closed, perhaps using the word that most resonates with you as your mantra for silent meditation.

Dear friend,

May your mind be peaceful and calm,

may your body be relaxed and comfortable,

and may your heart be filled with love.

Thank you for reading.

Blessings and gratitude,

Ani