It's Turned Into a Love Affair!

Hafiz

©2015 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

What to do with this man who moves me to tears? 

No longer a man, in truth,

or perhaps he never was—

for now, I call him

“Breath of God.”

Entering my center and stoking a fire

too often grown cold 

by my own negligence.

How do I keep this fanning Breath of God?

I know the answer:

Bow deep, 

Be still…

hold the flaming torch

and pass Eternal Light to others. 

Poet, Hafiz, alive 700 years ago has penetrated me. If you're a soul who needs nourishment in a busy world, please spend time in his verse (The Gift). I promise, the watering will be deep. Here's a taste of one of my favorites: short, sweet, true: 

The Sun Never Says  ~Hafiz

Even

After

All this time

The sun never says to the earth,

"You owe

Me."

Look 

What happens

With a love like that,

It lights the 

Whole 

Sky.

I swoon! Sweet blessings this weekend, Dear Friends.  

Hafiz, Beloved Friend

A few weeks ago, I discovered the Persian poet, Hafiz, who lived during the 1300's, about 100 years after Rumi. A collection of poems, "The Gift," sat on my shelf close to a year until I finally cracked it open, shortly after the Fall Mindfulness Retreat. As I read, I smile, remembering our retreat theme of "befriend" and how this new companion, Hafiz, has made his way to me. The above poem seems to sum up the Inner Constellation ideal and the practice of mindful living:

I am
A hole in a flute
That the Christ's breath moves through--

I am an animation of the divine: a living, breathing, pulsing life force.

...Listen to this 
Music.

Listening to how life becomes alive in us is the practice of mindful living--attending, paying attention--When I interact with my world, is my breath tight, restricted, even or flowing? Do I have resistance to what presents or am I free? Is holy breath animating me or have I plugged up the flute holes?

I appreciate the metaphor of "A hole in a flute," implying more than one hole and more than one flute. It describes perfectly the interbeing nature of us, our connection to others and the fact that I am one expression of many. My experience of "God" will differ from another's experience of "God"--many flutes, many flute holes, animating us.

Listen to this music...honor ourselves, honor one another, pay attention, listen deeply and appreciate the beautiful expressions we encounter. Today, Hafiz's remembrance will serve as my mantra, a sweet gatha to guide my practice and interactions with others. I am, you are, Holy beings; Listen, listen, to the music.