elements – THIS HAPPENED

dear Shiva, please bless me in these harsh times with the endurance & patience of earth; the relentless persistence & generosity of water; the purity & high energy of fire; the clarity & transparency of air; & the acceptance & inclusiveness of space. i serve You through these living elements. may i give of my intelligent light freely to all, as the sun teaches. may i illuminate the mystery & wonder of darkness, as the moon teaches. may i be a spark of encouragement & upliftment, as the blazing stars teach. the sun, moon & stars call us to lift our eyes to the sky to be touched by guidance & instruction from divine powers vaster than our human capabilities. may i be a source of ever-renewing nurture & stability, as earth teaches. may i be a source of circulating motion, ever including both the lowest & the highest realms, as water teaches. may i be a source of pure dynamic energy & enthusiasm, as fire teaches. may i be a source of inspiration, movement, change, inquiry & detachment, as air teaches. may i be a source of healing through the sacred power of OM, as space teaches. dear Shiva, i am grateful that everything has the capacity to instruct, as You have ordained for our continuing healing, evolution & wisdom.

the fallow field is demonstrating rest to replenish reserves,
giving rise to the serendipitous wild growth that heals the earth.

the erupting volcano is demonstrating the power of
hidden forces far beyond human control or understanding.

the earth shaking, shifting beneath our feet, is demonstrating that
even the seemingly hard & firm is only temporary.

the vast fierce winds of a formidable storm are demonstrating
the untamable invisible force of that which we call air.

the flooding rivers & oceans are demonstrating the power
of permeability, perseverance & nonresistance.

the awe felt when viewing a rainbow or stars on a moonless
night is demonstrating the power of numinous mystery.

the blossoming flower garden is demonstrating the sublime
beauty of cooperative beings sharing innermost gifts.

the caring human being is demonstrating that goodness springs
up naturally to nourish & bless all planetary life.

thus in this manner, Shiva, all existence is demonstrating
intrinsic wholeness composed of many interrelating parts.

as the sun is to the circling earth; as the earth is to all its
living beings, so are You essential to me, without a doubt.

i embrace You, Shiva, in all this rampant variety &
unsettling change, for You alone are my heart's true compass & guide.

i am grateful to be aware of You dwelling deep in my heart
where Your light can leak out in thought & word & deed to bless & heal.