#MicroPoetry|November ’20 Reflections

The context of this poetic musing was the reality of living in a pandemic. Nine months into COVID-19’s unfolding, the virus was surging, and winter had arrived much earlier and with more impact than normal. As I paused before writing this verse, it was clear there was fear and anxiety. In this place, She returned once again to remind me that we are never alone. It may indeed feel that way as days shorten and concern is present. Yet in one another, in nature’s beauty, and in the unexpected moments of wonder, we are indeed held tenderly.

The tick tock of the clock too often serves to paralyse us from doing that thing … exploring that dream … stepping into the unknown. We commodify time to the point that its intrinsic nature as a gift is lost.

Time, as a blessing, is a constant invitation to dream, risk and create. As sparks’ Divine we are shaped to embrace creation as those who not only steward but birth imagination to help all so shine.

What might today look like if we realised there was more than enough time?
What might we hear?
What might we learn and so create?

How do we know right from wrong?
How do we traverse those ambiguous life choices that nonetheless carry import?

We like to think that precedent and laws, rules and order can help smooth out these challenges we face everyday. Often, fortunately, they do indeed help navigate them.

Yet there always comes a moment when information and protocols do not serve us in situations unanticipated or in which what might seem right, turns out less clear based on context. It is in such moments that the practice of discernment and reflection nurture wisdom, both individually and collectively.

Acknowledging not only that we are okay, acceptable, perhaps capable is hard enough. We do not live with narratives that often help us to recognise that we are loved, need alone that we can love ourselves. Let us be clear, such acknowledgement is not about ego, but embracing that we are each the Universe’s beloved. Such an awakening is both liberating and emboldening. Becoming aware that which we are is meant to help others also awaken is a consistent revolutionary revelation that faith promises to those engaged in the discipline of a spiritual path.

When I draw the curtains in the morning and look out at a new day, I often try to be aware of what first draws my attention. I find a similar practice happens when I look at a newsfeed in social media.

What is it that I, someone else or an algorithm invites me to see?
What do I do with what first catches my attention?
If it is something hateful or angry, do I feed it?
If it is compassionate or loving, do I respond in kind?

Where we focus, I often find, influences what we next see.

Being joy is a way of existing in the world. Finding that which energises us and connects us with our core, our centre, our spirit is both easy and challenging. Discerning that central component of ourselves allows us to tap into an energy that is joyful, compassion oriented, and humble nurturing. The challenge is that awakening to the tether, which connects us to ourselves, and ultimately, all Creation, is hard in the cacophony of noise, cynicism and anger that too often is heard. Making space, therefore, to Be and listen is the first step toward joy as a way of being.

Conversation in the public commons can sometimes become heated and tense. We all hold dear our convictions, beliefs, and values. Yet we must be careful that we do not entrench our minds and ideas to the extent that we excluded and judge others.

Binaries are never helpful, especially in the pollical and social spheres. Finding ways to engage civilly with one another is a foundation of the democratic enterprise. Dialogue in this medium can often lead to insight and new ideas when we truly share that which we believe and hold open he possibility that we have something to learn form one another.

Our lives are not only informed by where we place our attention, but also the manner in which we interact with Creation. Whether we do so from a place of joy or grumpiness, compassion or frustration, is experienced as energy by ourselves and those with whom we interact. Energy attracts like energy.

As you walk into this day, what is it you want more of to thrive?
If you are not, in fact, broadcasting on that frequency, what might you need to do to change the channel?