illuminate

There is a light deep within my soul. If I but allow it to shine, my own path will be illumined. All those whom I encounter may find the way, as well, because of that light which I allow to beam brightly.

 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

Illuminate:

This one for whom my light especially shines:

 

 "Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

With many special thanks to Susan Tuttle and Chrysti Hydeck for their {ECHO} prompts. Week 9 "Illuminate".

"Illuminations" 

Visual Poetry

What kind of picture evolves in your brain when you hear the words visual poetry? In my mind, there is a dance, a romancing with my taste buds, my spirit, my sense of being grounded. Winn, my spirit guide, allows my mind to float higher and yet higher, while yet even gaining strength and the need to stand tall, stand free, exist in the presence of me. Yes, I am wondering what picture evolves in your brain when you hear the words visual poetry.

A few months ago, I was invited by Susan Tuttle to join her group called Visual Poetry. While I had no idea, truly, what Visual Poetry was about, I chose to join. I absolutely adore the art and words of Susan. At first, because of time and resources, I thought the course Susan was offering online, was not a possibility for me. I did not spend any moments even really looking at what Visual Poetry was about. Not until Susan offered part one again did I start to investigate further, to discover that learning Susan's secrets was truly a possibility.


I had been following Susan's creative path since I was a participant in "artwords" and was so excited to purchase the publication in which Susan's art - "Blue Heart" - first appeared on page 100. I was very proud to be able to say, "I know this artist."


When Susan had her first book published I had to have that as well.


Visits to Susan's blog were always precious moments and I regretted not visiting more often.


And now, thoughts of "a dance, a romancing with my taste buds, my spirit, my sense of being grounded" entertain my being. "Winn, my spirit guide, allows my mind to float higher and yet higher, while yet even gaining strength and the need to stand tall, stand free", as I am encountering and practicing Susan's Visual Poetry through my very own perceptions.

words lost midst the richness

as I wander through
the autumn richness



i hear the words
words dancing



i listen
but they
the words
are all a jumble



and so i will dance
along beside
those beautiful autumn words
all a jumble

will you please dance along
with this autumn richness
a dance of words