Nirvana

Poems From The Porch

This still July morning,

green and radiant,

is adorned simply

with the sweet sound of the chimes

in an intermittent whisper--

gentle, flowing Tao.

Now the crickets and cicadas

join their voices in the exultation of summer,

and the ginger and white patriarch

announces his presence

and hops onto my lap for hugs.

His visit was brief,

the reality of impermanence.

I'm glad I laid down my pen.

Pictures and words,

poor substitutes for experience,

are devoid of meaning

unless we make something up.

Let's not.

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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.

Blessings and gratitude,

Ani

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