Poems From The Porch
Making unskillful choices
Feeling the impact of the unskillful choices of others
Offering forgiveness to self and others
Socialization, enculturation, and formal education
Learning to live in relationship
Earning a living
Experiencing illness
Fear, shame, anger, sadness, and grief
Caring for aging parents
Loved ones dying
Giving and receiving support
Practicing self-love
Prioritizing maintenance of our earth suit
Learning to show up for ourselves
Reveling in recreation and laughter
Rejoicing in abundant provision
Finding meaning in the present moment
Savoring gratitude for the richness of life
Gaining wisdom through experience
Answering the call to listen
Focusing on the innocence in all beings
Believing in the daily filling of an empty cup
Fasting from the distraction of words
Loving All That Is
Smiling to joy
Resting in Silence
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