#MicroPoetry|February ’19 Reflections

Getting to the place where dreams transition from aspiration to reality takes work. It requires discipline and perseverance. There may, sometimes, be struggle and sacrifice. Yet to get stuck there, can lead to apathy and even paralysis. In the reality of the work it might take to birth potential, what might it mean to do so joyfully?
What might it mean to enjoy the moment and paths that lead ultimately to the summit?
What might it mean to embrace one another as co-climbers upon the mountain of life that holds potential yet to be explored?

What has been your greatest teacher?
From where has it arisen?
What was happening when you recognised the learning?
What have you done with it since you have awoken to it?
The moments in which we learn can range from the sublime to the horrible. Each experience often possesses a kernel awaiting revelation. This often takes intention, especially when in times and places that are difficult. To lose these precious gifts, however, is often a loss steeped in ignorance of what might have been, if but …
How do you stay awake to recognise gifts yet promised?

I think it is fair to say that one of the constant touchstones in these verses is the invitation to recognise the power of choice. This power, which we share collectively, can distract us when we only think of those big and momentous moments when choosing feels like is shakes the way we have experienced reality so far. It is also, however, the cumulative smaller ones that sometimes get decided simply by habit or rote. Usually, we may not consider how they may affect our and other’s future. It has been my experience, however, that when we recognise that all – big and small – choices hold import, that we begin to be more intentional regardless of what weight we might add to them.

The Poet is a reoccurring character in my poetry. She can be considered a reflection of Creator or Spirt. Often Her poetic presence is to help us recognise that we are not alone. In this verse, Her presence is felt in the reality that life’s gifts and challenges, can sometimes lead us to a sense of loss/abandonment or individuality that does not notice the presence of the Holy. In these places, it has been my experience that it is often in the silent moments when we recognise the presence of the Divine.

With what do you surround yourself?
What words, sounds, smells?
What art, books and music?
These are important questions as we consider life’s journey of living and faith. Too often we do not consider them and fail to realise the import they have in influencing our everyday. The degree to which we shine, and in turn help others too, begins in such questions. Once we begin to ask them, it can become a discipline that helps us see possibility as each new day dawns.

What does it mean to inspire?
Is it a goal unto itself?
Is it an extension of living into whatever passion we are called to birth?
With these questions in mind, I find myself asking how compassion, justice and forgiveness connect. From here, I find myself wondering how we help one another discern where we are called to be. Finally, this means I have arrived at listening: to myself and to you. How we do that is most important as it may very spiral us back to the initial questions …

Words – we use a lot of them. In fact, it often seems we are drowning in them. Whether newscasts, politicians or our neighbour, it can feel like a word wave. To counter this, as you walk into this new potential-filled day, do not speak, but watch.
What do you see?
Where are the moments of care and compassion?
Wonder and awe?
In each of these, how many words were used and how many were simply acts of doing?

I have been imagining the metaphor of life and goals, aspirations and dreams as a journey upon water. I think a canoe or boat complements it and we are all in it. Upon the horizon that to which we aspire is visible, but there is neither current, nor. Neither wind, nor sail. We can sit there in awe and wonder, but will remain out of reach of our destination. I complete this musing with the idea that only together, by paddling in unison and cooperation can we reach that lofty place.