Revelation in Light

Poems From The Porch

To approach each being as a candle that reveals their beauty,

tenderly keeping their mistakes hidden in the shadows;

To hold a lantern to each one’s woundedness,

allowing the warmth of its glow to normalize and heal their pain;

To lead all beings into Love’s full-on radiance,

definitively showing them that their shame is only an illusion

is the humble ministry of a mindful heart

who is a light for the world.

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