My Teacher

I wrote this poem during my chaplain residency at the Cleveland Clinic. A lot of my learning and growth during this time surrounded integrating my self awareness of my cerebral palsy with my spiritual care. This poem reflects some of this deepening awareness- speaking especially toward love, loss because of my disability, and finally a call to listen and embrace what my body and heart is telling me.

Reawakening this practice of self awareness has been on my heart again recently as I discern+listen for how God is calling me to love and serve now that I’ve begun a new chapter in my life.

My Teacher

Dear body-

what are you teaching my soul?

That ache-

Oh, to be held by

to be understood by

another’s heart.

To walk alongside another’s own heart.

Nameless sadness-

In my chest you reside

stories wordless

crying

creeping

out

Wisdom unspoken.

Breath-

Tense sometimes

cleansing most in peace.

You bring rest.

“Broken limbs”-

suffering seen

(mis)understood

connection

More wisdom.

Courage.

listen.

What might your body be telling you about your heart today? Next week I offer a reflection and poem on discovering how my disabled body carries and understands loss.

Psalm of Sadness Unknown

Praying