The #MicroPoetry of the blog began as a creative practice in 2012. Using the confines of twitter’s 140 characters, this discipline has been a generative opportunity to use words to poetically muse. Starting in 2017, brief reflections became another way to explore the use of these verses as part prayer, thought, reflection, challenge or something in-between. I hope these monthly collections offer you space to be, reflect and consider how your own choices might help you and other #ShineOn.

As the coloured spectrum
is reflected by grains of sand
dancing among stars’ clusters
our Soul finds solace
in the body we momentarily inhabit
Inspired by life’s transient Universal moment …
Reflection
What does it mean to find comfort in the short time we have on this blue planet? How we can foster being at peace by accepting that our bodies are temporary, but our souls endure eternally? These fundamental questions illustrate that even though our physical life is brief, it is part of a bigger, timeless journey. This revelation helps us understand our place in the Universe and find a sense of belonging. It encourages us to think about how our lives contribute to something much larger and more enduring, fostering a awareness of our collective purpose and connexion to the Cosmos.

In places where webs
light obscure & walls encroach
Trust that the Elders’ wisdom
attests that Their Inner Light
illuminates our way forward
Inspired by trusting in our Inner Guide …
Reflection
What does it mean to navigate through life’s challenges with the guidance of those who came before us? This question emphasises the importance of being vulnerable and seeking wisdom from elders, whose experiences and insights can provide clarity and direction. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, their knowledge serves as a beacon, illuminating paths that might otherwise remain hidden. Intergenerational wisdom reminds us of the enduring power of communal knowledge and the reminder that we are not alone in our journey. It underscores the belief that our collective understanding from the past can light the way when Hope is shadowed./p>

Our journey
not acquisition grounded
nor weighted finery adorned
It is in the letting go
of Ego’s lull
we begin to remember
we are Blessing each
Inspired by shedding scales that obscure Beauty …
Reflection
What does it mean to truly embark on a journey of self-discovery? What if the essence of our journey lies not in accumulating pretty baubles or dressing in shiny things? Instead, what if our awakening is found in releasing the hold of ego and embracing a deeper sense of connexion and purpose? By letting go of superficial desires and societal expectations, we rediscover our inherent value and the blessings we bring to one another. This act of remembering encourages us to shift our focus from external validation to the internal wisdom that invites us to wonder and compassion./p>

She’s ever-present
Even as doubt grips us
& fear Hope threatens
The Universe listens
hearing as we invite Light
into moments when our
soul quivers
Inspired by the power of intention to change the Story …
Reflection
What does it mean to navigate our way through challenges that, at times, feel overwhelming? Impossible? There is a shared and ancient wisdom that continues to speak to us, suggesting that even in our most vulnerable moments, there is an Ever-Present Force that listens and responds to our intention to recognise Hope. It implies that the Universe is attuned to our struggles and offers solace when we are overwhelmed by doubt and fear. This theme encourages us to take seriously the endurance of resilience and the importance of supporting one another, even when our spirits are shaken. It serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, those around us can buoy us until the sun rises.

Around the table
too easy to look downward
& focus anywhere
but at one another
Pay attention to the moment
when eyes meet & our dignity recognise
Inspired by the Energy that binds us …
Reflection
What happens when we truly connect with those around us? What happens when we accept the invitation to consider the significance of our genuine human interaction? It highlights the importance of being present and acknowledging the shared dignity that arises when we meet each other’s gaze. In a world too often dominated by distractions, the act of looking up and engaging with one another fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. This encouragement reveals a deeper appreciation for the moments of connexion that bind us together, reminding us that our shared humanity is a powerful force that deserves recognition and celebration.

Binding chains
not initially unshackled
by force nor coercion
Freedom neither
slogan nor jingoism
Liberation begins
when denied dignity we reclaim
Inspired by freedom beginning from within …
Reflection
What do we mean when we say we aspire to be truly free? Liberation is not achieved through external forces or superficial declarations. Instead, it begins with an internal awakening, a reclaiming of one’s inherent dignity. This kind of freedom emphasises the importance of self-empowerment and recognising one’s worth. It challenges the idea that freedom can be given or taken away by others, showing that true emancipation is a collective journey. By reclaiming our shared dignity, we can break free from the metaphorical, and too often literal, chains that bind us. The passage to freedom starts from within and grows outward.

Sometimes neither data acquisition
nor information hoarding
will navigate ambiguity
Sometimes the body knows
what is right well before our head
Inspired by the Wisdom intuition reveals …
Reflection
Upon what may we rely when logic and analysis are inadequate to make meaningful decisions? Trusting our intuition reveals wisdom, suggesting that there are moments when our innate sense of knowing surpasses the rational mind. This internal knowledge highlights the importance of trusting one’s instincts, especially in uncertain situations. Curating an awareness of our intuition provides a balance between intellect and the deeper, often unspoken understanding within us. When we look inward, we consider how our body and mind work together, recognising the subtle yet powerful insights that guide us through life’s complexities with clarity and confidence.

Life’s tenacious fragility
times when what ails us
no cure nor fix
As embodied beings
healing begins
accepting where we are
& our beauty recognise
Inspired by noting the difference between healing and curing …
Reflection
What does it mean to truly heal? In a world where we often dismiss those who are ill or struggle when our own health fails, the journey towards healing becomes an act of embracing our current state. It is through this acceptance that we can begin to find solace and recognise our inherent worth. Healing is not about eradicating illness as the enemy but about finding peace within the beauty that is always around us, whether we are momentarily well or not. This process requires patience, self-compassion, and the acknowledgment of one’s own resilience. By focusing on the blessings that exist within, even amidst adversity, we are invited to cultivate a sense of wholeness and well-being.
Your reflections are most welcome!