Category Archives: Spiritual practices

Temple

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I’ve been to a temple, a grand cathedral, and not noticed its splendor. Yes, so unaware was I that in the face of beauty, I saw nothing unusual. I’ve been there so often that I pass it by, heedless of what really happens within its walls. But today, or so it seems, the temple veil is lifted! And I see the beauty, the splendor, the blessing of this temple and cathedral that is mine.

bliss of nature shines
Spirit taking form in me
as body temple

—
Written for Toni’s Haibun Monday Free for All at
dVerse.

Mountain of the Lord

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

Isaiah 2:1-3,5 (NKJV)

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
Many people shall come and say,
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
O house of Jacob, come and let us walk
In the light of the Lord.

The Mountain of the Lord

Mystically understood, the Lord’s mountain is a meditative state, a place of Higher Consciousness. It rises above the hillsides, the height, of everyday awareness to something greater. And it is for everyone, for all nations, all people, not just a chosen few. The mountain of the Lord is always present, and we can climb it, learn his ways, and walk in his light in our daily lives.

Mountain of the Lord – Lyrics

Instrument: Tempo – Seagull Excursion Folk Acoustic Guitar

Refrain:
*”Come!
Let us go up (3x)
Up to the mountain of the Lord!
Repeat from *.

1. His house is greatest,
His mountain highest,
And every nation shall flow to it, saying,
Refrain:

2. There on his mountain,
His ways he teaches,
And every nation shall flow to it, saying,
Refrain:

3. His mountain rises
Above the hillsides,
And every nation shall flow to it, saying,
Refrain: (Twice)

Up to the mountain of the Lord!
“Come!
Let us go up (3x)

Tree of Thanksgiving

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

A 3-part, thanksgiving round – please enjoy, remember, and share!

Give your thanks in unbroken song!
Thanks to the One who is One and All!
Live your thanks, for you belong
To the Tree of Life!

Click here for more on the Tree of Life.

And enjoy these songs by Nancy Abercrombie!

Thanks be to God

Thank You, God

In the Garden

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He asked me,
“Will you join me
in the garden?”
In turning my head,
I turned away.

He asked me,
“Will you help me
in the garden?”
And my inaction
was action enough.

He asked me,
“Are you peaceful
in the garden?”
And the light of truth
lit up my mind.

He asked me,
“Are you happy
in the garden?”
And without question,
I knew I wouldn’t be without.

I asked him,
“May I join you
in the garden?”
The scene changed
When I saw the change in me.

I asked him,
“May I help you
in the garden?”
As the seasons pass,
may I pass on the harvest!

I ask you,
“Will you join me
in the garden?”
For the whole of Life
is whole in you!

—
A second response to Kim’s garden prompt, linked up with
dVerse OpenLinkNight #184, where Grace is hosting.
OLN is a fabulous free-for-all (i.e. there’s no set prompt). So stop by and read and/or share one poem of your own! You never know what gems you’ll discover here!

Garden Growing

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I’ve always wanted a garden,
But I fear my thumbs are black,
Coated in sadness and sorrow,
The only things that grow for me.

I’ve always wanted a garden,
But I gave up long ago,
Coated in unfulfilled wishes,
The only fruit on barren trees.

I’ve always wanted a garden,
And I tried to plant before,
Coated in dreams and desires,
That only others brought to life.

I’ve always wanted a garden,
But I’m not the child I was,
Coated in sadness and sorrow,
The only reason nothing grows!

I’ve always wanted a garden,
And I know my thumbs are green,
Coated in wishes and hopes and dreams,
My garden is a fruitful scene!

—
My response to Kim’s Tuesday Poetics prompt at
dVerse.

Whether growing a garden or anything else, the only mistake is not to try!

My mother and grandmother each kept a garden as long as they could – flowers, vegetables, herbs, berries and strawberries, grape vines, pear trees, and maybe more I don’t remember. I do remember picking beans, onions, and other vegetables, but whether it was spoken or not, I always felt like I was all black thumbs next to their green ones.

It seems too late in a way, but I’ve come to appreciate the value of gardening, especially growing produce to brighten your table and health. Yet I’ve been too overwhelmed to garden, knowing I couldn’t keep the extensive gardens my mother and grandmother had.

Suddenly (it wasn’t, but feels like it was) I’ve blown off all these expectations. To that I can only, honestly say, “Thank God!” I’ll start small with some herb pots, and I might even lose some. But the only way I can really fail, is if I never try!

Happy gardening, whether it’s plants or the garden of thoughts and beliefs we so often neglect!

Masterpiece

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

This is a good song for any time of year, but especially just after the U.S. presidential election and Veterans/armistice Day!

Instruments: Egg shaker, zills (finger cymbals)

1. United we stand
And reach out our hands
In circles that never cease.
As energy spreads
All beings are fed.
So may we be linked in peace!

2. With every demand,
We try to expand,
So differences may decrease.
But look on ahead
With caring instead,
For love is the bond that frees!

3. O reach out your hand
And joyfully stand
In making a masterpiece!
Your heart and your head,
In unity fed,
Encircle the soul of peace!

—
This song is an alouette, like
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day!

Carpe Diem – Seize the Day!

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In the morning sun,
Golden threads are spun.
Shards of rainbows greet the day;
Sparkling dewdrops smile
For a precious while.
Gather nectar while you may!

Soon the day is run,
Noon is halfway done.
Taught to work and not to play,
Lest you act the child,
Cramping proper style;
Yet – no virtue in dismay!

Evening fast begun
Over everyone.
Keep the restless thoughts at bay,
Strongly face the trial,
Step-by-stepping mile;
Simple path, enlightened way!

—
Gayle hosts today’s Meeting the Bar, where we write an alouette. It’s a fun, interesting form, so please join us at
dVerse!

Power of a Song

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

Instrument: Brio – Red Cedar Concert Ukulele

1. Ever wonder why you hum?
It’s to keep from feeling glum!
You sit a while and find a smile
To meet whatever comes.
When the music starts to play,
You open to the day,
Shed worry in a hurry,
Knowing everything’s OK.

Refrain:
“But it’s only music!” folks reply
When I say it’s love and light.
Just let it touch you when you’re down
Or help you right a wrong,
And you’ll know the power of a song;
You’ll know the power of a song.

2. When it sounds a little sad,
Music gathers up the bad.
It matches you and catches you,
And lifts you till you’re glad.
If your heart is feeling cold,
That song’s worth more than gold.
It warms you up and fills your cup
With comfort for the soul.
Refrain:

3. If you don’t know who you are,
There’s a song that does, by far.
Let it shake you up and wake you up
And lead you to the stars.
‘Cause that brilliant spark and shine
Is the One and All-divine
Who rings in you and sings in you
A special song of life!

“‘Cause it’s not just music!” I reply,
And I say it’s love and light.
Just let it touch you when you’re down
Or help you right a wrong,
And you’ll know the power of a song;
You have the power of a song!

Cutting Edge

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If you received this post by email, click the URL to hear this song.

Instrument: Brio – Red Cedar Concert Ukulele

1. So many rules to follow in this life,
At work and school and in the places
Where we sleep at night.
And as we try obeying all the rules,
Let’s take the time to realize
The Principle of Truth!
Refrain:

2. Each lifetime is a classroom or a stage
With all the props and prizes
As rewards if we behave.
And as we do our best to play the part,
Let’s never miss the bliss of being
Who we are at heart!
Refrain:

And the whisp’ring hopes convey
There is a better way!
So listen to the Spirit
As you meditate and pray!
Refrain:

3. We see our health as anything but strong,
The treatments running rampant
Like the litany of wrongs.
And as we ask the questions for a cure,
Let’s bring to mind the One Divine
Who healed us all before!
Refrain:

And when the Spirit speaks, oh may we hear!

Refrain:
‘Cause We’re living on the cutting edge of Consciousness,
Where we can seek and find our purpose here.
The only thing to do,
It’s simple but it’s true,
Is keep our mind and body pathways clear
And do the Will of Spirit in good cheer!