#MicroPoetry|November ’23 Reflections

As we navigate life’s journey, various experiences shape our existence with a blend of joy and challenges, wisdom born from crises, and the awe of miracles. A crucial element in maintaining resilience, in my experience, involves accessing the inherent source of creativity within each of us. Whether through words, colours, melodies, movement, reflection, or a fusion of these, nurturing the discipline to forge the new keeps alive the marvel of innocence. This outlook perceives constant opportunity amid the world’s turmoil. By preserving this creative flame, we sustain a discipline that perceives possibility even in the face of adversity, embracing the enduring essence of Hope.

Seasons follow cycles, weather unfolds in patterns, and life has its own rhythm. Some find joy in fallow moments, while others revel in the high arc of summer’s brilliance. Melancholy may embrace our hearts during transitions from the past to the future. In these instances, nostalgia can easily set in, causing us to miss what lingers in the present. It is often in the fading light that we become aware of what was unveiled during the zenith that has now passed

Life, depicted as a race, serves as a metaphor that, while instructive, may promote a linear narrative insufficient to encapsulate our diverse experiences. True, existence on this pale blue dot does have a linear dimension, but it is equally real that the past and future continuously converge in the present moment. This moment, an ever-renewing beginning, intertwines what was and what will be, shaped by our current actions. Embracing this paradox prompts reflection: What choices can we make today to steer the trajectory of the world on our shared journey?

Many faith systems recognise the profound connexion between the well-being of a community and how we treat our neighbors. This extends beyond those living next door to encompass individuals vastly different from us, residing in distant corners of the world we may never personally explore.

A crucial aspect of embodying this principle is dispelling the notion that it’s merely a transactional relationship. Instead, we must refine the art of caring for others in the same way we desire to be cared for ourselves. This mutual care inherently carries the profound meaning that if we consider ourselves a source of blessing, then acknowledgment and praise should naturally follow for those who are our compassionate reflections.

The energy we choose to cultivate, whether refined or unrefined, orderly or chaotic, positive or negative, shapes the environment we inhabit. This applies to various aspects of life, from gardening to thought processes, child-rearing to knowledge creation. Our focus determines what becomes more visible in our lives. Reflecting on this, it prompts us to consider the potential transformation if we nurture kindness and generosity. Imagine a world where these virtues are the driving force—how might our lives, communities, and the world at large evolve into a reality where everyone desires to belong?

The illusion of stability and the allure of security distract us from the unpredictable, mystery-filled, and often chaotic nature of life. As John Lennon wisely stated, “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” Embracing this reality, what richness could we uncover if we viewed the unknown as a gift waiting to be discovered?

So, there’s this cartoon ostrich (‘son’), it has a rooster (Foghorn Leghorn) and a dog (Barnyard Dawg) for ‘friends’, and whenever it gets scared, it shoves its head in the ground. Fair enough, life can be scary. In fact, sometimes, reflecting and observing is exactly what may be needed to address life’s challenges.

If we do not move, however, if we stay stuck, the thing remains a thing and will not change. Change often only begins when we make a choice, embrace the agency we have, and answer, “what can we do?” and then act according.

Reflecting on the connexion between our values and their manifestation in our lives invites introspection. An aspect of this contemplation involves acknowledging the inherent cost required of us when we nurture relationships.

In the unfolding tapestry of our lives, this dynamic holds significant implications. Notably, the expenditure of ourselves often requires sacrifice. Should this concept resonate, it prompts our consideration of the nuanced factors involved when our giving, while diminishing personal well-being, becomes an investment in our community’s potential for a thriving future. In navigating this delicate balance, we discover that our willingness to share fundamentally of ourselves can serve as a catalyst for collective growth and vitality.