Taking a Risk

Bird’s homey-home nestled in the camellia bush
 Sky releasing soft tears
 Rooster adamantly calling all to awaken
 Soprano melodies emanating from unseen sources
 Yellow wildflowers glowing neon under the opaque cloud dome
 Honeysuckle blooming and fragrant
 Lavishly green wisteria spreading without blossoms
 Abundant buds on magnolia and gardenia
 White and orange-red mums opening in spring
 Gladiolus showing potential
 Blue jay pecking the ground near the porch
 Doesn’t he see the cats?
 I think he does, and this makes me smile.
 He’s living dangerously, taking a risk.
 Security is an illusion anyway.
 I’m taking a risk, too,
 by committing to making myself happy today,
 prioritizing my happiness.
 After all, I owe it to the world,
 for I was born to be the highest version of myself.
 And after decades of searching,
 I finally found the how-to manual on life.
 Here it is, in case you, too, are searching for that treasure.
 Turn the page and read:
 “Be kind to yourself.”

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