Praying Mantis Rings Them Bells

 

We’re sending our prayers. We’re keeping you in our hearts, our thoughts.

Whenever someone shares sad news, you’ll read these words. We might respond with the missive, sending prayers. And yes, it does feel inadequate. And perhaps even cliché.

You ask yourself about your prayer. Will the prayer you send out into the universe even be heard? You wonder if it will simply fly away into the wind and the person on the receiving end will never receive it, will never find comfort in your prayer. Will they be left bereft, sad, lonely?

Is this a reason not to send prayers? Even if your prayer is not heard by someone in charge of human activities--someone who could actually rearrange what happens on the earthly plane--consider the possibility that the trees will hear you? The sky, definitely. Perhaps the garden will hear your prayer.

Perhaps that’s why the peonies shiver every time you pass by them.

Keep walking. The grass hears your approach. The earth feels your uncertain footsteps, as you climb up that hill, tears welling up, streaming down your sun kissed cheeks. Stop and listen, because the earth is sending you prayers. The Praying Mantis on your patio table is absolutely, without-a-doubt, sending prayers.

Why are we stingy with our prayers? And while we’re at it--why we so stingy with the I love you, I love you, I LOVE you!!!

Perhaps we feel foolish? Or we’re afraid of appearing vulnerable?

But, aren’t we actually vulnerable?

Creative Friends--Let’s start a trend—let’s open ourselves up to the mysteries of this world. Let’s pray or chant or meditate. Let’s ring them bells. Let’s keep people in our prayers. And let’s tell them that we love them.

Because we do.

Peace and love,

Jamie