#MicroPoetry|October ’21 Reflections

Within each of us is a creative force that longs to conceive. This singular force promises to fashion multiple, perhaps even unlimited, possibilities. Yet to make real or manifest the dreams within each of us does not happen without intention. Furthermore, how we do so, what art or practice, trade or science, we pursue to create also requires our commitment. When we finally begin, however, what we make is truly a blessed pursuit.

That we are called to create is an important theme throughout these reflective verses. Regardless of whether we do so with care, however, does not matter. We are always making and creating. When we do so without practice, however, that which comes into being does not completely capture the full depth of what it means to possess the responsibility such gifts carry.

As you consider this coming day, what do you see before you and how might you bring that into being to nurture a hopeful tomorrow?

One of the central defining characteristics of our spiritual journey is the role choice makes. Choice –the ability to choose – begins with awakening to the internal and external habits and forces that try to ensure we are docile. This acquiescence of agency can feel safe, but within we know that our lack of choice is not that for which we are intended. The moment this wisdom not only dawns, but leads to action, we begin to create the future.

I have been asked about why gratitude so often is a focus in these verses. There are many answers to this. Some include its importance as a practice, others revolve around how gratitude is central to the stories in my sacred Christian Scriptures.

There is no one answer that imparts the following. Gratitude is not an intellectual exercise, nor a physical practice. These are manifestations of the choice to Be this way in the world. This way of Being emits energy that enlivens not only ourselves, but those around us and makes clear that we are intimately bound to Creation. This Being is how we model Love to a hurting human world.

Whether you begin your day by opening a window to look onto the day that will be or taking a deep breath before walking out the door, we are constantly surrounded by gifts. Birds singing, oxygen breathing, and tree roots binding earth together. These are just a few of which I am aware everyday. Yet that is not where we often put our attention. Regardless of why that is, and there are many reasons, perhaps on this day simply focus on the abundance before you.

Should you be able to do that, for just this day, how has this day ended differently than might otherwise have been normal?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I suspect we have all been asked this. Some of us knew right away, others took trial and error, and others of us are still trying to figure that out! Regardless of what we do, the journey of the mystic, when describing spiritual self-awakening, changes the focus of the question:

What are you meant to Be?

As you consider the question, how does this verse help in shaping a response, though perhaps not an answer?

We are each of us an artist. Our medium and tools might be different. We might create in traditional ways with expected tools or innovate in other ways. Regardless of HOW we create, we do so every day when we arise from slumber. The moment we awaken and imagine the day ahead, we have begun to create.

What might it mean, if in our awakening, we intentionally embraced this reality?
What might the world look like if we supported one another in the task of co-creating?

If we never take that step to begin something new, we are certain to never arrive. The future is shaped by our choices. Inaction is a choice. By not claiming our inherent agency, which sometimes requires taking a chance and risking, then we allow the future to happen to us. We should not confuse taking action or not as good or bad. What is important is recognising that it is in our choosing that our future state depends.

As you walk into today, what choices are you making?