Praying

Image credit Conscious Design from Unsplash

This poem’s seed was planted a few weeks ago during a writing workshop I participated in. We were guided through a body scan, then invited to free-write on what different parts of our bodies felt and experienced during the meditation. I enjoyed the exercise, and as a woman with cerebral palsy, my bodily experience is an intimate part of my spirituality and my writing. Two of the ways I understand and embody my spirituality-through my Christian faith and my yoga practice- are rooted in the incarnate and integrated love of my whole being-physical, emotional and spiritual. Another day as I was praying, I became aware of how my hands were resting with me as I prayed, and I was drawn to expand my free-write into this poem meditation. How are you aware of your body when you reflect, pray or serve others?

Praying

Right hand-resting on my chest, 

you feel the quiet dancing of my heart.

The warm vitality of refreshment-pause 

after working tirelessly to live: to carry-write-cook-feed-hold-create.

Relax here, now let your divine purpose be. 

Left hand-sleeping on my knee, 

you bring a vulnerable light, clenched in your small fist. 

Freely you invite blessing-remembering how we need each other.

You also bring an exhaustion. More work with your poignant solace. We are all finite humans. 

Relax here, now let your divine purpose be. 

Dear hands-reach up and out-go forth and serve. 

Be a source of love and hope. 

Become my sacred imperfection for the world.