#MicroPoetry|December ’24 Reflections

Staring into a storm can feel daunting. This feeling is only amplified when our destination requires us to go through what we would rather avoid. When there is no alternative to bypass an impasse that bars us from our objective, clarity of purpose dawns. If we truly feel called to complete the journey to which we are committed, we must decide whether what we must confront is worth the effort, perhaps even the sacrifice. There is no right or wrong answer at such moments of reflection. If we are determined to persevere, then claimed clarity can embolden us with new insight and resolve.

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves making promises, which are influenced by our genuine intentions to honour them. These commitments reflect our aspirations and the values we hold dear. However, the true measure of our ability to fulfil these oaths lies in the extent to which we are willing to give of ourselves. It is not merely the act of making a promise that defines us, but the depth of our dedication and the sacrifices we are prepared to make. Our capacity to honour our word is a testament to our character and the strength of our relationships with others.

Each day, as we make decisions, we are often confined by invisible lines and boxes, dictated by constructed norms and expectations. What if such constraints are simply artificial barriers meant to dampen our imagination?

The possibilities for creation and innovation would be boundless. We could explore new ideas, forge deeper connexions, and embrace our shared potential. By letting go of these limitations, we open ourselves to a realm of endless opportunities, where creativity’s curiosity is unfettered, and our collective imagination can flourish. What might we create in such a liberated world? What might it mean for our communal and individual dignity?

It’s going to happen … in fact, it’s inevitable. Regardless of how well we plan, prepare, and anticipate, we will be caught unprepared for events outside of our control. These moments may be challenge-filled, opportunity-rich, or a combination of the two. No matter when they occur, which we know they will, one truth will always confront us: if we do not respond to them, change will occur in our lives. In the end, it’s our response that defines the power we possess to chart our journey. The question is whether we want to be agents of change through our choices or happenstance.

There’s a spiritual truth that contends there is a Harmony that unites all things, all beings, all Creation. This song, chorus, melody, if you will, pervades every aspect of reality. From the quantum to the seeming solidity of mountains, we are interconnected and dependent upon one another. Our wellbeing is not contingent on another being compromised. When we nurture the dignity in another, our own wellness is amplified. From my context, this mystery is called Love, a force that transcends boundaries and connects us profoundly. By embracing this interconnectedness, we foster a world where compassion and mutual respect thrive.

As we approach the end of the year, many of us feel new levels of concern and anxiety. The rise in intolerance and violence is tragically apparent, leaving us feeling powerless. In these moments, remember this truth: we are each divinely beautiful. When we embrace this universal truth, we truly blaze with the depth of our spirit. This acceptance allows us to see the beauty in others and fosters a sense of connexion and compassion. By recognising our own blessedness, we can better appreciate the worth of others, which offers a different story then the one that would create the illusion of our powerlessness.

Upon our journey, we find ourselves navigating and questioning the vastness of our shared existence, both within the smallest particles and the grandest peaks. As spiritual beings, our exploration of the Universe is uniquely human, filled with wonder and discovery, grief and loss. Each moment, each breath, is a further step in this cosmic dance, reminding us of our connexion to everything. We are not just observers but participants in this blessed tapestry, where every experience enriches our understanding of life and how we are woven into the cosmos. Through this human lens, we embrace the mystery and beauty of our spiritual voyage.

Our character illumines even of when we might be fearful as we find ourselves in dark times and places. At our centre, compassion shines brightly, with the promise to guide our actions to the benefit of Creation. We truly do find joy in both giving and receiving, recognising that love is the fundamental force that connects us all. This essence of love binds us together, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and mutual understanding. In these moments, such as the dawn of a New Year, we are reminded of the profound impact we have on one another, and the beauty that lies in our interconnectedness.