Slow, Steady, Opening (Poem)

Yesterday, I was inspired to write this poem after a friend posted a paraphrased quote from Cyndi Lee, as her status on Facebook.

It has been a long, full day, of making wonderful connections with many souls. And so, before I go off to meditate, I leave you with this inspiration that came to me, which I know will incarnate into a theme...

Slow, Steady, Opening

The body is always

a gracious temple of the Divine,

and when it offers itself

wholeheartedly to the practice,

its various sheaths—

layers of being, or koshas,

come into balance

and harmony,

in a state of oneness.

A gifted and wise teacher

deftly instructs her garden

of beautiful yoginis,

each one a unique blossom

and embodiment of grace,

to deepen their experience,

by releasing their affliction,

or klesha—

by letting go

of their tendency to cling

to what does not serve

their bodies, minds, or souls:

“Let the quality of aggressive craving,

shift towards a grounded sense

of watching the slow,

steady opening

that happens in the practice.”

One eager awaiting heart

receives what is imparted,

and by gently softening

and melting into grace,

the various layers of her being—

annamaya kosha – the physical body,

pranamaya kosha – the breath body,

manomaya kosha – the mind body,

vijnamaya kosha – the wisdom body,

and anandamaya kosha – the bliss body,

Align with the Divine,

as her soul experiences

the result of slow,

and steady opening

wash over her

with surprise

and elation