#MicroPoetry|January ’25 Reflections

Words are the building blocks that help us see the past, present, and future. They can paint a shared vision or fracture us into discordant narratives that divide and inflict harm, oppression, and marginalisation. They can ensure the few benefit at the expense of the many. This hard lesson can paralyse. Yet, the inner work invites us to listen deeply, discerning the threads that weave the Universe. These threads tell a tale that begins without words and, when articulated, tell one simple story: We are intimately interconnected. Embracing this melody, we can sing this reality into being

Life’s journey is a continuous unfolding of experiences that shape our growth and learning. Each moment offers an opportunity to embrace new lessons, much like the ebb and flow of waves. We are encouraged to live mindfully, appreciating the present while understanding that our path is influenced by the past and future. This reminds us to remain open to the experiences that come our way, allowing them to guide us in our personal and spiritual development. By doing so, we can navigate through life as beings of spirit, unbound by time, with a sense of freedom and purpose.

There’s a gentle-souled bull named Ferdinand. He prefers a life where his inner happiness mirrors the field of flowers in which he longs to lounge, practicing Joy as an ongoing ritual. However, the world, and his very story, challenge this preference, favouring capital and action, violence and dominance, over balance and dignity, of being present in the moment and embracing wonder. This age-old tale depicts how conformity confronts the soul’s freedom to learn what it needs in the current experience. At this moment, where do you find yourself in this unfolding story? Are you embracing your inner Ferdinand, or are you navigating the pressures of the external world?

It is important to remember the profound interconnectedness that compassion and kindness weave into the fabric of our lives. These virtues are not just abstract concepts but tangible threads that bind us to one another, creating a tapestry of shared humanity. Through acts of compassion, we can recognise ourselves in others, recognising our common struggles and joys. Kindness, in its simplest form, becomes a bridge that connects hearts, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. In this intricate dance of relationships, we can find out true self mirrored in the eyes of those we touch, realising that we are all part of a greater whole.

It is important to remember that anger is a normal and healthy response to injury or harm. However, it becomes problematic when fear diminishes the ability to recognise that violence never brings inner peace. An old teaching reminds us that forgiveness offers solace to the soul. Embracing reconciliation, rather than succumbing to anger, nurtures a more peaceful and fulfilling journey. Ultimately, the ability to forgive oneself and others underscores the importance of seeking inner grounding, leading to acts of compassion and understanding, rather than conflict and aggression. This learning is essential for our personal growth and collective well-being relationship.

Contemplating the power of words, we realise their profound impact on perception. The lens through which we view the world can transform our experiences dramatically. Words can evoke fear and despair. On the other hand, when one adopts a mantle of gratitude, the same words can reveal beauty and abundance in the simplest of things. This underscores the importance of mindful language and perspective, reminding us that our choice of words and the attitude we embrace can shape our reality in significant ways. It is a testament to the transformative power of gratitude, which reminds us that what I do to me directly affects you.

Just as skilled artisans ensure their creations are strong and enduring, we each contribute to building our shared future. Such creativity highlights how our interconnected actions require we foster collective collaboration. By recognising that our individual efforts are part of a larger mosaic, we can appreciate the value of working together. Our shared reality is co-created through our combined skills, intentions, and dedication. Each piece of the mosaic represents our unique contributions, and together, we form a beautiful and resilient whole. Together, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to shape a future that is resilient and in which our shared dignity is ensured.

True fulfillment is often obscured by the allure of material possessions. These distractions can lead us away from the present moment, which holds the potential for genuine contentment. By taking a moment to pause and fully engage with the present, we can appreciate the actual essence of life. This teaching emphasises the importance of mindfulness and staying grounded, allowing the richness of each experience to be fully experienced and valued. It serves as a reminder to cherish the present and find meaning in the here and now, fostering a deeper connexion with the world around us and the communities with whom we journey.