Poems From The Porch
Squirrel traveling on branches Owl earnestly calling Blue jay snapping twigs The stillness of water-laden air Cawing crow hiding from view Dove adding to the chorus Breathing in the beauty Prayer rising with the sage incense Noticing the residuals of shame from a past encounter Remembering, “Ah, this is what shame feels like.” Understanding that shame is something I do to myself through self-judgment Weaving the threads of love to form a blanket Normalizing thread Validation thread Relaxation thread Wrapping this love blanket around the little girl who tries so hard Big exhale A smile arising as the heart comes home to her Self
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
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