Summary

The website content is a reflective essay encouraging personal growth and spiritual connection through the practice of sacred reading, using the beauty of nature and the imagery of gardenias as metaphors for life's journey.

Abstract

The essay titled "Incarnational Becoming" from the section "Poems From The Porch" invites readers to engage in the transformative practice of sacred reading (lectio divina). It poetically describes the sensory experiences of spring, drawing parallels to the process of self-discovery and the acceptance of life's cycles. The author emphasizes the importance of letting go and embracing the present moment, viewing life as a divine gestation rather than something to control. The essay suggests that through mindfulness, receptivity, and engagement with poetry, one can find peace, personal truth, and a deeper connection with the self, ultimately leading to a sacred and fulfilling existence.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of nature to teach us about self-surrender and the nourishment of the soul.
There is a clear advocacy for embracing the unknown and finding comfort in the natural progression of life, akin to the seasons.
The essay suggests that the practice of lectio divina can be a pathway to personal truth and a means to access one's own creativity.
It posits that rest and receptivity are crucial in contrast to resistance and manipulation, which drain the sweetness from the present moment.
The author expresses gratitude to recent followers, indicating a sense of community and shared journey in the exploration of these spiritual practices.

Incarnational Becoming

Poems From The Porch

The fragrant gardenias are releasing their sweetness in an offering of self-surrender

while the vibrant colors, happy clover, and lush greenness of spring are providing nourishment like a fresh, satisfying meal.

It is warmer today as the season is progressing in its inevitable unfoldment of birthing something new.

I can feel the gentle nudging to stop pondering the essential next step and to rest in the sustenance of simply being.

It is evident that to do otherwise perniciously drains any drop of honey that this present moment benevolently offers.

I requested some comfort, and it came in a prompt response:

Let it be;

this, a divine gestation,

a place of eager anticipation and hopeful expectancy,

not a process to dominate and control.

Receptivity vs. resistance

Mindfulness vs. manipulation

After all, I’m not going anywhere.

There is no ordained destination,

just an incarnational becoming

in the perpetual cycle of life, death, and resurrection.

Holy

This is holy.

I see the gardenias in a different light now

and hear their subtle invitation.

Surrendering, I find my, “Thank you.”

Engaging With The Poem

Poetry can be a doorway to the soul and your own creativity. Throughout the ages, the written word has been used as a means to access personal truth and as a vehicle for prayer through the practice of sacred reading (lectio divina). I encourage you to try this beautiful practice and let its truths to be self-evident.

How To Practice Sacred Reading

Read+Reflect+Respond+Rest

READ the passage through slowly more than once, noticing how it feels in your body and the response of your heart.

REFLECT: What word resonates with you? What phrase speaks to you? What overall personal meaning comes to you? Allow yourself to follow a tangent.

RESPOND by making space for the prayer of your heart to manifest. Write down the words and/or phrases that resonate with you, and allow them to arrange themselves into your own poem or prayer.

REST with your eyes closed, perhaps using the word that most resonates with you as your mantra for silent meditation.

Dear friend,

May your mind be peaceful and calm,

may your body be relaxed and comfortable,

and may your heart be filled with love.

Thank you for reading.

Blessings and gratitude,

Ani

Heartfelt gratitude to my recent followers Mr Morth, Vibrant Jellyfilsh, KAKA LAM 嘉嘉 @iamkakalamkk, & The Novel Survivor.