Poems From The Porch
Rocking gently
caressed by the soft strums of a guitar
candle flame swaying with the tune
fragrance of cedar and fir
cozy warmth of being nestled in my chair
surrendering my defenses to receive the gifts of the day
curious, willing, vulnerable
present
wondering about the mysterious magic of it all
how we each get our allotment of time to experience the complexities of life
every being generously offered encounters with pleasure and pain
bestowed tenderhearted opportunities to feel and honor
to love and let go
and to confront the mind taking over to try to figure things out
to solve an illusory puzzle
whose pieces can only be connected
through the heart – –
a wisdom of participation
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