The Fragrance of Now

photo by Gemma Evans on Unsplash.com

The sky cannot decide what to wear this morning
 or rather simply to go naked.

 He has dawned a heavy gray cloak,
 alternating with a lightweight cotton shirt and sprints of streaking.

 Brother wind is assisting the elderly oak
 in raining her benevolence--a shower of leaves.

 The vibrant spring blossoms are embracing their new home and remaining hopeful,
 even with the sudden chill.

 An agile hawk just flew by
 with a determined crow motivating his flight.

 Life, effusive and abundant,
 is beckoning me to reveal my joy
 as I join in the dance of generous engagement.

 There is so much to prepare and offer as an act of self-giving,
 so much upon which to feast and be filled.

 Love is in the air,
 and I am breathing deeply,
 eager and grateful for the fragrance of Now.

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

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 Blessings and gratitude,
 Ani