Stretch

— WORD FOR THE DAY —

When suffering constricts the heart, awe stretches it back out, making us more compassionate, more loving, more present.

-Valarie Kaur-

The Radiant Now

Beside the flower bed, still unplanted,

we sit on the porch with coffee and toast

and watch the field where the swallows

swoop and dive in their own ritual of breakfast.

Hummingbirds chase each other across the grass,

small bodies like darts that pin us

to this moment. Would I, if I could, pin us

to this radiant now when the whole world

is greening and the morning sun paints

gold on every surface? Or is its value

partly based in how quickly it passes?

So while I can, I sink into this measure

of bliss, cup still warm in my hand,

and breathe in the sweet, sharp scent of grass.

Someday soon, there will be flowers.

-Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer-

A Hundred Falling Veils (there’s a poem in every day)

Thank you to the writers above for their beautiful words. We all know suffering. Do I perpetuate it in my mind and heart, or do I pause in gratefulness and awe and find fresh possibility (a.k.a. hope)? “Present” is such an important idea that it deserved a line to itself.

The radiance of spring is all around us now. Talk about awe! Blooms, blossoms, birds, a full palette of greens, aroma all around. Each morning, each day, teeming with life. Nature amazes me. And teaches me.

These flowers attract hummingbirds to our front yard. I haven’t seen one yet this season, but I will. If I sit and give attention, I receive gifts that stretch my heart, soul, and mind in gentle and profound ways. Have a good day!