#MicroPoetry|July ’23 Reflections

Take a moment. Breathe deeply. And release… As you open your eyes, attempt to see through the eyes of wonder from your youth. Behind every bush lies a magical pulse, blending the thrill of partially closed closet fears with anticipation.

This exercise serves as an invitation to awaken to the extraordinary. Whether it’s the technology enabling you to communicate with loved ones by transmitting audio to space and back, or a concert that ignites your neural network, triggering the release of joy-inducing chemicals, life is meant to be a source of marvel. So, dear readers, continue to marvel.

‘Normal’ wields immense power. Superficially simple, it can also restrict and limit us, confining us to what is ‘acceptable.’ While there may be valid reasons to promote normalcy, simply enforcing it by habit without discussion becomes oppressive.

Imagine communities where ongoing dialogues explore the boundaries of normality and embrace the possibilities that lie beyond. What if we engaged in conversations that revealed the profound interconnectedness within ourselves, with others, and with the vast tapestry of existence? What wonders would we unearth in these moments of wonder—a deep realisation of the unique stories and experiences shaping every being? By embracing change and celebrating the constant flux of life, rather than striving for uniformity, we would embark on a remarkable journey of awe and reverence.

It can certainly feel overwhelming. In this polarised time in which social media is designed to amplify anger and silence compassion, it is understandably tempting to hide and shelter with your own clan and tribe. Safety becomes an elusive goal when voices loud dominate the landscape.

Yet that world of exclusion and division is an illusion. Whether in our rural landscapes or urbanised cityscapes, there are millions, no billions, of stories everyday that go untold of love extended and sharing that is offered without expectation or reciprocation. If we listen to these abundant and overflowing stories, we may well observe in new ways that reveals our collective transformation.

When the phone rings now, many of us screen the call to see who’s calling – whether it’s a familiar person or someone we’d rather avoid. Some of us even choose to test the caller’s commitment by seeing if they leave a message.

This act of control, aimed at managing our time, attention, and safety, can be reasonable. However, it can also lead to missing out on the wonders of a radically amazing world, where dragons soar through the skies and mice find refuge in tulips. It may seem fanciful, but what if it’s not? Heraclitus, in 500 BCE, challenged us to expect the unexpected, as we may never truly experience it unless we open ourselves to the possibility.

Friends, let us not be lulled into complacency. As we embrace diversity with compassion and respect, let us not settle for mediocrity.

Like the symphony of sounds on a summer day—birds, crickets, animals, and the wind—we each hold a unique melody to contribute to the universal orchestra. Unveil your song and inspire others to do the same, unleashing our collective preciousness for the common good. Embrace your uniqueness, and through abandon, let us foster a harmony where every voice resonates, creating a beautiful and inclusive tapestry.

Self-care, looking after ourselves, and finding balance are central aspirations in a culture that often neglects these practices, which are essential to our collective well-being. When we prioritise our well-being, we become better equipped to support with consideration and compassion. Conversely, ignoring our own health can have a detrimental ripple effect through our communities. Let us, therefore, cherish ourselves, setting an example of gratitude and care for others.

Nurturing ourselves mirrors how we care for others, and celebrating our gifts mirrors how we uplift those seeking hope. We each are entrusted with a unique promise the world needs. We are meant to radically share them. We are invited to share these treasures with our communities, weaving resilient and compassionate networks. Envision a well-tended garden, where abundance emerges through our inner work tangibly manifested in the world.

When you wake and hear the first bit of news, whether through audio or text, what thoughts arise from that information? Does the data reinforce assumptions, nurture curiosity, wonder, or hope?

These questions are neither innocuous nor rhetorical. Our thoughts shape our perception, and our perception reflects our thoughts. Taking this mirror seriously invites us to consider whether what we think aligns with what we truly desire. It invites us to be conscious of the impact of the information, which shapes our worldview. Such an invitation possesses the possibility to seek understanding beyond assumptions. In doing so, we can cultivate a more informed and thoughtful perspective on the world around us.