Stories of the violent attacks that happened in Paris and elsewhere around the world last Friday night, fell heavy on our hearts. It is my hope, that amidst our shock and grief —regardless of faith— we pull together.
At a time like this I seek comfort and inspiration in the words of others. Here is a poem by Karuna Ezara Parikh, which I found on Facebook a few days after the attacks.
If poems or prayers are not your thing, let me share the Loving Kindness Mantra. You can substitute the “we” for “I” or “you”:
May we be safe and protected.
May we be free from fear.
May we feel peaceful.
May we live with ease and with kindness.
What do you pray for at a time like this?
If you feel like it, please share an act of kindness.
My gratitude for your poem and your heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
You are welcome!
I, too, shared the above poem with friends. One replied that perhaps the first line could read “It is not just Paris we should pray for.” Yes, indeed. I have friends who were in Beirut during the recent bombing My niece is in Paris and lives in the arrondissement of the nightclub. When I was in Turkey and Greece in September I encountered and tried to help refuges. They want safety, a home, food and a job. Many are what we call “middle class” and if given a chance, could contribute so much to our world. I pray that these unfortunate people will find peace so that they can thrive and be able to hope again.
My prayer is your prayer Toby. Let us remember the words on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” We in this country have an obligation to help those in need.
Peace
Do not step on an ant,
Unpack the world’s worries off your back.
Be not naïve, but hold onto your dreams.
Let kindness lead the way,
Each and every day.
Be mindful and present for new friends and old;
In mountains on high and valleys so low.
Flowers, fauna, rivers and streams,
The land of Inter-Being,
Our Universal Home.
May our heart-compass be our guide
Wherever we roam.
Dedicated to the hope and promise
of a brighter tomorrow. . .
With Love, Phyll
Lovely Phyll. I hope you are feeling better. Your poem is uplifting.
A world free of labels.
I’m with you there. Labels really hurt, and they get in the way of seeing the person beneath the skin. Blessings.
Very beautiful and thoughtful advice. Thanks Eileen.
—Manny.
Thanks Manny. Blessings to you.