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.
Through moments when
mind discordant & heart conflicted
within each of us
Still Point beckons
In this calm we are each bound
Holy Wisdom resides
Inspired by knowing when to let go …
Reflection
It is very difficult to realise when we can’t …
Can’t complete a project …
Can’t help someone who is hurting ..
Can’t solve a problem …
Can’t help ourselves or someone else …
Recognizing when it’s time to let go is a sign of profound wisdom. When we release what we can no longer hold, we allow the universe to become our partner and reveal things that were previously hidden. This understanding enables us to embrace change and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Perfection’s invitation does not
an arrival to completion mean
In our unfolding
through change’s ever-present honing
more fully human we journey
Inspired by committing to the journey toward wholeness …
Reflection
Glossy Instagram images, sparkling videos, and flawless beauty in our newsfeeds can be seductive and distracting. They lure us into a false narrative of perfection and make us forget that our true journey, both internal and external, is about shedding the layers that hide our innate beauty. The first step is to realize that we are already loved and cherished by the universe. We are all divine sparks, and accepting this gift requires only our willingness to embrace it. Letting go of what obscures our beauty is a process, but with love and acceptance, we can uncover our true selves and live our most authentic lives.
Toward the sky
amidst robin’s blue
& with cloud’s embrace
we journey toward a Promise
to which all are invited
In community
our healing begins
Inspired by welcoming companions along the way …
Reflection
It’s all too common to lose sight of ourselves and forget our own value, let alone the intrinsic sacredness of others. In a world full of distractions, it’s essential to stay aware of the gifts we possess and the abundance that surrounds us.
Maintaining this awareness requires vigilance and a commitment to shared healing. When we’re distracted, we’re more likely to hurt ourselves and others. True healing begins when we come together and share our struggles, recognizing where we’ve stumbled and taking steps towards a world defined by clarity and compassion. Let us remember our worth, honor the sacredness of all life, and work towards a future where we can all thrive.
At times our paths diverge
journey requires resilience
amidst Life’s riddles
At times paths reconnect
& as we story share
Solace we are embraced
Inspired by savouring moments when we stories share …
Reflection
Each of us is a storyteller, and the way we share our stories and the timing of their telling can create new meanings not just for the listener, but also for ourselves. This is especially crucial when it comes to the inner journey of self-discovery and awakening.
The next time someone shares their story with you, remember the intimacy of that moment. Listen attentively, tuning into the connections that bind you to the teller. In that moment, our unique differences reveal the universal truth that we all share. By embracing this truth, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Let us embrace the power of storytelling and use it to connect more deeply with one another.
Be not discouraged
when river bends
& destination obscured becomes
Trust in discipline committed
& practice that’s honed
voyage upon which we set
Inspired by trusting that around the bend our destination lies …
Reflection
At times, we can lose sight of our aspirations. The demands of daily life, health issues, or exhaustion can cause us to feel disconnected from our dreams. In these moments, we must trust that our faith will sustain us even when our imagination fades.
It’s essential to remain committed to the tasks before us, even when they feel overwhelming. This persistence will help to sow the seeds of hope that we can nurture into the future. Let us keep our faith in the face of challenge, hold fast to our aspirations, and keep moving forward. By doing so, we can bring our dreams to fruition and discover the richness of life that lies within us.
Life’s richness isn’t
revealed in linear length
It is in its width
where wisdom is revealed
& in its depth
when compassion dawns
binding us as One
Inspired by engaging in the moment to imagine tomorrow …
Reflection
When we set goals, we often see them as a straightforward path from point A to point B. We create milestones and benchmarks that map out the journey as if it were a straight line. While this can be helpful, it can also be limiting.
As we move toward our destination, there is a three-dimensional world all around us. We can easily forget the depth and width of this world, both to the left and right and up and down. Yet, it is in this rich tapestry where we grow. It is in the journey itself, rather than just the destination, where we experience the full richness of life. Realising our goals is filled with a sense of accomplishment that we may never have imagined when we first set out on our journey.
May we celebrate the beauty of the journey and the abundance of life that surrounds us. By doing so, we can uncover a world of wonder and growth that we may have overlooked.
Each day of our lives
creates words & syntax
shaping a story
we have agency to tell
As with all tales well read
editing’s refinement essential is
Inspired by the gift to write our tale …
Reflection
The rise of social media has given us a powerful platform to tell our own stories. I believe this is something to be celebrated. However, some people criticize social media as a superficial and shallow way of communicating.
Yet, I believe the real danger is not in the medium itself but in how our stories are often told by others, and we internalize them as our own. We may adopt the stories others tell us, and that can become the tale we believe. But this is not the story we are meant to tell.
Our faith teaches us that we are beloved children of the Universe. This is our starting point for deconstructing the inherited narratives we have been told and imagining new stories that better reflect our true selves, our connections to one another, and our relationship with creation.
I encourage us to utilise the potential of social media to share our authentic stories and claim our rightful place as co-creators of our own narratives. By doing so, we can inspire others to do the same and create a more compassionate and connected world.
In the maelstrom
where Willy&Nilly
frenetically dance
our agency lies in claiming
the power we have
to control how we respond
to what is happening
Inspired by differentiating that which we can and cannot control …
Reflection
Life can feel chaotic, and it’s easy to see the world as working against us. However, it’s important to remember that faith and many holy stories are rooted in the constancy of change rather than stability.
If we embrace this perspective, the question of our agency arises. What control do we have in the midst of change? Our agency lies in recognizing that amidst the chaos, opportunities and choices exist that may not have been visible before.
Once we make this shift in mindset, we realize that we do have control over our response to change. Instead of feeling powerless, we can embrace the challenge of change and see it as an opportunity for growth and newness. By doing so, we can navigate the storm and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.
Your reflections are most welcome!