What a blessing to share poetry that supports us in being present together in class each week. Recent themes include listening to the space between, awareness as wide open as the sky, and noticing what you appreciate. Every little thing matters!
The Quiet Listeners (Laura Foley)
Go into the woods
and tell your story
to the trees.
(Entire poem here)
Shouting Compliments (Bret Turner)
“My daughter and her neighbor friend spend a lot of the day sitting 6 feet away from the sidewalk, shouting compliments out at strangers who walk by. It’s the right mood for these times. Just overheard: YOUR SHIRT MATCHES YOUR DOG AND I LIKE THAT ABOUT YOU!”
On the dual theme of Satya (truth) and Intention, observe what is so, then call forth what is most supportive:
Evidence (Mary Oliver)
I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed…Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.
Abundance (Amy Schmidt)
It’s impossible to be lonely when you’re zesting an orange…
On the theme of non-striving:
Just for Now (Danna Faulds)
Just for now, without asking how, let yourself sink into stillness. Just for now, lay down the weight you so patiently bear upon your shoulders. Feel the earth receive you, and the infinite expanse of the sky grow even wider…Just for now, allow a wave of breath to enliven your experience. Breathe out whatever blocs you from the truth. Just for now, be boundless, free, with awakened energy tingling in your hands and feet. Drink in the possibility of being who and what you really are–so fully alive that the world looks different, newly born and vibrant, just for now.
APR
2021