Poems From The Porch
Every action I take has the potential to be a gift that I offer to myself and others.
An action performed mindfully, with the desire to control myself or others, is an obstacle.
An action performed mindlessly, without the desire to control myself or others, is an obstacle.
Only an action performed mindfully, without the desire to control myself or others, is a gift.
I am not responsible for how my actions are received.
If the recipient is acting mindlessly, with no intent to control themselves or others, the action will be perceived as an obstacle.
If the recipient is acting mindfully, with the intent to control themselves or others, the action will be perceived as an obstacle.
It is only when the recipient is acting mindfully and with acceptance that the action will be perceived as a gift.
If these things are true, then I am invited to be mindful, without the intent to control myself or others;
and I am invited to meet myself mindfully and with acceptance when I receive the actions of others.
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