Poetry + Nature
Embodied Reading
An invitation to slowly read How to Feel the Sap Rising and to embody all of the prompts - walk, imagine, turn your body, lay yourself down, close your eyes, etc. Notice what arises in your body and spirit as you engage the poem in this manner.
If you would like to listen to the poem being read, you can click on the audio recording below and follow the prompts as the poem is slowly read.
Lectio Divina Reading
Lectio Divina or divine reading is a contemplative practice of praying with Spirit while engaging a text. It is a simple, yet profound practice of listening with your heart. Lectio Divine can be practiced as a personal or collective experience.
To engage a poem in this manner, start by taking a few deep breaths and ask Spirit to read with you. Read the poem once - preferably out loud. This first reading it simply to begin to immerse yourself in the poetry. Then read the poem a second time and when you finish, take a few moments to name any words or phrases that caught your attention. Read the poem a third time, again taking time when you finish to take note of any words of phrases that drew your attention.
Finally, an invitation to journal or meditate on the words/phrases that caught your heart’s attention. When finished, give thanks for the time and space and Spirit’s guidance.
For an audio version of the poem Lost by David Wagoner, click on the button below.