Sometimes I forget, sometimes I cannot see
The beauty and abundance that surrounds me.

Sometimes I cry when there is no need
Because I’m blessed beyond my own awareness

Sometimes I ignore the truth, do not see the light
Yet, somehow everything that happens turns out to be just right

Please help me to remember, recognize the facts
That love surrounds me and through it I should act

Let me regain the knowing that comes with surrender
Giving up earthly concerns to live in life’s wondrous splendor

Thank you for providing all that is needed
My heart swells with tears of joy when I think of all the little things I’ve missed during times I focused at all on a perceived black abyss. When I turn around and look to the details of the world, I cannot help but be amazed that the abyss attracted my attention at all. Of what does this abyss consist? Worries about money, about love, about taxes, about being loved, having fat hips, the list could go on and on… How could I forget the beauty in all things, both great and small? And worry about things that matter really, not that much at all?

Let me live from love in every thought and action. I do not wish to be a perpetuator of violence, hate and social destruction. Let me give to the universe what it needs that our planet may heal with every action, every deed.

Remove the fear I keep buried inside that others will laugh, or that they will chide. “She doesn’t hold our typical view…”

Help me tell them, “what I believe is not so new.” I believe in love and kindness, caring, compassion, heartfelt words and heartfelt action. I believe everyone has something to teach, although it saddens me when I forget to listen. I believe that religion is a path to the heart of it all; our existence. I believe each religion has merit, no matter what the contradiction. Each person is on the right path, even if they cannot see that their neighbor is too…whether they are Christian, Muslim, or Jew. I may not attend a church with rows and pews, but I believe in love and the power of action. Ancient beliefs and new ones too…I believe that we are here to learn, to learn many things: how to love unconditionally, to live with reverence and with a knowing that life has provided for us what we need, and to take moments to elevate our minds to wonder and learn to let love keep us from going asunder.

-aya 2002