Poems From The Porch
Every thought I think has the potential to be a gift that I offer to myself and others.
Non-judgmental thoughts, combined with fear, create obstacles. Judgmental thoughts, without fear, create obstacles. Only non-judgmental thoughts without fear are perceived as gifts.
My thoughts are my responsibility.
If I think non-judgmental thoughts with fear,
I create barriers between myself and others. If I think judgmental thoughts without fear,
I create barriers between myself and others. It is only when I open my mind, without fear,
that barriers dissolve.
If these things are true,
then I am invited to offer myself and others the gift of an open, fearless mind.
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