Rev. Ani

May 5, 20232 min

Incarnational Becoming

Poems From The Porch

The fragrant gardenias are releasing their sweetness in an offering of self-surrender


 
while the vibrant colors, happy clover, and lush greenness of spring are providing nourishment like a fresh, satisfying meal.


 
It is warmer today as the season is progressing in its inevitable unfoldment of birthing something new.


 
I can feel the gentle nudging to stop pondering the essential next step

and to rest in the sustenance of simply being.


 
It is evident that to do otherwise perniciously drains any drop of honey that this present moment benevolently offers.


 
I requested some comfort, and it came in a prompt response:


 
Let it be;


 
this, a divine gestation
 
a place of eager anticipation and hopeful expectancy,
 
not a process to dominate and control.


 
Receptivity vs. resistance


 
Mindfulness vs. manipulation


 
After all, I’m not going anywhere.


 
There is no ordained destination,
 
just an incarnational becoming
 
in the perpetual cycle of life, death, and resurrection.


 
Holy


 
This is holy.


 
I see the gardenias in a different light now
 
and hear their subtle invitation.


 
Surrendering, I find my, “Thank you.”


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 truths to 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

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