What I Am Doing Right Now

Poems From The Porch

What I am doing right now is

sitting on the porch listening to the dove, the rooster, and the chimes,
 feeling the damp, cool breeze,
 smelling the fragrances of spring,
 being warmed by the cats on my lap,
 and watching the leaves wave at me as the wind passes by.

 But that is not all.

 I am also savoring the sweetness of life in the country
 with happy daisies blooming in May
 and clover blanketing the moist ground.

 My heart and face are smiling today
 in awe and gratitude for the lavish lushness that is generously proffered
 when I am fully present here and now.

 I am reminded of essential unity
 and the importance of showing up without expectations of how things should be,
 but with the certainty that my cup will be filled profusely,
 if I but allow room for the miracle of love
 which every living being liberally bestows.

 So, will you join me just now
 across the illusion of time?

 Close your eyes.

 Take a deep breath.

 Open your heart.

 Let love in.

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