I find power and sacredness in intentional ritual and somatic heartfelt prayer. Below are a few of the aspirations I have committed to repeating in the mornings, when I find myself in dawn's space of enlightenment. The consistency has formed a pathway in my soul much as the cows form pathways across the hillsides. The depth of the path is carved by the timeless longing of spirit to connect.
Bodhichitta Chant
Mesmerized by the myriad variety of appearance,
Mad with hope and fear,
Beings roam the endless wastes of samsara
So that they may find relief
In the luminosity and boundless space of their own true nature.
I generate immeasurable loving-kindness and compassion,
Sympathetic joy and equanimity
The very heart of bodhichitta.
written by Reggie Ray
Aspiration
May I develop
Complete acceptance and openness
To all situations and emotions and to all beings
May I experience everything nakedly,
Completely without mental reservations or blockages.
May I never withdraw from life
Or centralize onto myself.
May my heart be laid bare and open
To the fire of all that is.
written by Reggie Ray
Adaptation of the Reiki Ideals
Just for today
I am willing to release angry feelings
I am willing to release thoughts of worry
I am willing to be grateful for my many blessings
I am willing to practice expanding consciousness
I am willing to be gentle with all beings, including myself!
adapted from x's adaptation of Usui Mikao's Original Reiki Ideals