Photo by Mariah Hanson, 2006
Reading I:
In your investigation of the world,
never allow the mind to desert the body.
Examine its nature; see the elements that comprise it. When its true nature is seen fully and
lucidly by the heart, the wonder of the world will become clear. -Ajahn Mun
In the photo above, I love how the image of the girls' legs and hands celebrate the beauty of the body and suggest an easy friendship. Two amazing gifts offered through the body are beauty and relationship. I think Mariah captured some of the "wonder of the world" in this piece.
Reading II:
In preparation for our monthly contemplative services, we meet in a small group and read texts we bring for consideration to be used in the Voice in Silence service. As my friend Cathy was reading the text below to Melissa and me, I felt it lighten my breathing and lift my heart to gratitude for the gift of life that comes in the package of our bodies.
Breathe! You Are Alive
Breathe and you know that you are
alive.
Breathe and you know that all is
helping you.
Breathe and you know that you are the
world.
Breathe and you know that the flower
is breathing too.
Breathe for yourself and you breathe
for the world.
Breathe in compassion and breathe out
joy.
Breathe and be one with the air that
you breathe.
Breathe and be one with the river
that flows.
Breathe and be one with the earth
that you tread.
Breathe and be one with the fire that
glows.
Breathe and you break the thought of
birth and death.
Breathe and you see that impermanence
is life.
Breathe for your joy to be steady and
calm.
Breathe for your sorrow to flow away.
Breathe to renew every cell in your
blood.
Breathe to renew the depths of
consciousness.
Breathe and you dwell in the here and
now.
Breathe and all you touch is new and
real.
-Annabel
Laity in a book by Thich Naht Hahn with same title
May you cherish your body; care for it, and cultivate compassion and gratitude for it. May you celebrate how your body allows you to resonate with life.
Sue
