Sun kisses my eyelids,
I am awake.
Gratitude a marching beat,
In my chest.
The simple beauty,
Is everywhere.
Love breathes into
The tasks I meet,
A soft warmth
In every step.
Humility paves the way,
Humble thoughts guide me,
In the choices I make,
Deep inside.
Each day reveals,
A precious stone.
From laughs
To wise thoughts,
With clear eyes,
I see the world,
My own reflection,
A diadem.
The Crown of Consciousness
Isn’t it remarkable how the simplest moments can reveal the profound beauty of existence? This piece beautifully captures the essence of mindful living and self-awareness.
The image of the sun kissing eyelids awake reminds me of what the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh said: “Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” Each day is a fresh opportunity for gratitude and presence.
The idea of gratitude as a “marching beat” in the chest echoes what Meister Eckhart, the 13th-century theologian, meant when he said, “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” Gratitude can be a powerful driving force in our lives.
The focus on gratitude and appreciation for simple beauty (“The simple beauty, / Is everywhere”) also echoes the Stoic principle of focusing on what is within our control and finding contentment in the present moment. As Marcus Aurelius states, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
When the poem speaks of love breathing into tasks, it brings to mind what Kahlil Gibran wrote in “The Prophet”: “Work is love made visible.” This perspective can transform even the most mundane activities into acts of devotion.
The notion of humility paving the way reflects what C.S. Lewis observed: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” True humility isn’t self-deprecation, but a clear-eyed understanding of one’s place in the world.
Furthermore, the poem’s portrayal of humility as a guiding force (“Humility paves the way, / Humble thoughts guide me”) aligns with the Stoic virtue of modesty and self-control. Marcus Aurelius advises, “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself,” which resonates with the poem’s emphasis on humble self-reflection and appreciation for life’s simple gifts.
The idea of each day revealing a precious stone is reminiscent of what Mary Oliver asked in her poem “The Summer Day”: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Each moment is a gem to be treasured and used wisely.
In “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius writes, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This sentiment is reflected in the poem’s lines “With clear eyes, / I see the world, / My own reflection, / A diadem,” highlighting the power of perception and self-awareness in shaping our experience of the world.
Finally, the concept of seeing one’s reflection as a diadem echoes Carl Jung’s idea of individuation. As he put it, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” Recognizing our own growth and self-realization is indeed like crowning ourselves.
So what does all this mean? Perhaps it’s about recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary, about finding profound meaning in our daily experiences. It’s about understanding that our perceptions and attitudes shape the world we inhabit.
Remember, every moment you spend in gratitude, love, and humility is a jewel in your personal crown. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
So next time you wake up to a new day, consider: How can you approach each moment with the reverence it deserves? Because in the end, isn’t that what makes life so beautiful? This ability to see the sacred in the simple, to recognize our own growth and worth in the reflection of our daily experiences. Your diadem is being crafted with each mindful moment. How will you wear it today?