Archive for December, 2016
Poetry
I believe it has been said that life is poetry in motion. Poetic expression is a powerfully emotive reflection of the human soul in all it’s beauty, and in all it’s horror. Poets throughout the ages, in all cultures, have shared the ethos and pathos of the human condition in words.
I love Robert Frost’s description of poetry, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Edgar Allan Poe said, “I would define, in brief, the poetry of words as the rhythmical creation of Beauty.” And Maya Angelou remarked, “Human beings love poetry. They don’t even know it sometimes…whether they’re the songs of Bono, or the songs of Justin Bieber…they’re listening to poetry.”
This week I invite you to sample the world of poetry.
“Mental fight means thinking against the current, not with it. It is our business to puncture gas bags and discover the seeds of truth.”
~Virginia Woolf
“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”
~John F. Kennedy
Poetry Society of America, http://www.poetrysociety.org;
Life is Poetry in Motion, http://www.facebook.com;
Poetry Foundation, http://poetryfoundation.org.
New Year 2017
It is wet and cold in my part of the world. As Grandfather Time ushers in 2017, I ponder what the coming year will bring.
Energy is positive or negative, constructive or destructive in its application. One of my new year resolutions will be to generate positive thinking and action; choosing not to dwell on what I don’t have, but, what I do have. Not focusing on ‘what might be’, but being with ‘what is’.
Staying grounded and centered in the midst of rapidly swirling change is a spiritual practice. The New Year is an auspicious time to strengthen our spiritual resolve, our spiritual connection…our spiritual practice.
Many wishes for an awesome New Year!
Solstice/Christmas 2016
Seems like the Fall Equinox was here just a short time ago. Yet, the Winter Solstice is on Wednesday, Christmas follows quickly behind; as do the Festivals of Light.
There is something primitively compelling for me in displays of light. I feel a childlike wonder viewing the twinkling splendor. Beacons of light bringing comfort to the long, dark days of winter.
As you and yours celebrate the winter Holy Days, I invite you into the light.
Blessings!
Words
“Words are things of beauty, each like a magical powder or potion that can be combined with other words to create powerful spells.”
~ Dean Koontz
“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”
~ Don Miguel Ruiz
“Words! What power they hold. Once they have rooted in your psyche, it is difficult to escape them. Words can shape the future of a child and destroy the existence of an adult.
Words are powerful. Be careful how you use them because once you have pronounced them, you cannot remove the scar they leave behind.”
~ Vashti Quiroz-Vega
Cold 2016
Cold weather is here. As many of you know, I am NOT a fan. I enjoy the season, just not the cold that comes along.
Most of us are busy with preparations for Solstice and Christmas. Most of us are blessed with warm clothing, warm cars, warm homes and warm, caring relationships. There are many among us who are not as fortunate.
I invite you to give a gift of warmth. Coats, blankets and sleeping bags to organizations and shelters. Donations to food banks and food kitchens; helping out an elder; giving a gift of warmth to a friend; all such acts help us to manage winter cold.
“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” ~Pope Francis
