Beneficence in Unlikely Packages

photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash.com

The events over which you feel powerless,
 the ones that seem to threaten your security,
 the choices by which you are cloaked in shame,
 these are not meant to destroy you.

 They are presented to fulfill your grand destiny
 and to awaken you to love.

 These pivotal moments are opportunities to surrender judgment
 and embrace mercy, compassion, and unconditional love —
 to accept your full humanity,
 even as you acknowledge your underlying divinity.

 Don’t get caught up in emotions and appearances.

 These are transient phenomena that don’t define you.

 Beyond the seen is the unseen glory.

 Even if you don’t remember,
 trust that you are That.

 All heaven and earth is conspiring to benefit you.

 Receive the gift.

Engaging With The Poem

 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 fruits be self-evident.

 How to Practice Sacred Reading

 · 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