Gentle by Alfred LaMotte
In this touching and tender poem, Alfred LaMotte reminds us that awakening begins with bringing loving presence to our heart and body.
In Blackwater Woods by Mary Oliver
In this poignant poem, Mary Olive describes letting go as the task of living.
The Way It Is by Lynn Ungar
This poem speaks about one of the fruits of mindfulness practice: the grace and quiet joy that can come with radical acceptance. And of how this is often a gradual shift, almost unnoticed until reading back a journal from a few years ago, or speaking with a friend you’ve lost touch with for a while. And suddenly you notice: I’m not so hard on myself as I used to be, or: there is more spaciousness in my day to day life even though I still do all these things that are important to me, or: I move through my life with more joy in my heart.
White Dove by Danna Faulds
This poem is an invitation to open without resistance to the changing flow of our experience, so we can come into presence and discover our true home.
Walking meditation poem by Thich Nhat Hanh
The essence of walking meditation is captured in this powerful poem by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.
Joy for no reason by Danna Faulds
This poem is a beautiful invitation to notice and take in fully the joy of being alive in each moment.
From the Radiance Sutras
Can you imagine what it would be like, in this moment, to have a heart that is ready for anything? – Tara Brach, True Refuge
Self-Refuge by Sez Kristiansen
This poem is an invitation and encouragement for all of us to find a place of safety and peace inside ourselves, our inner refuge.
Please call me by my true names by Thich Nhat Hanh
In this beautiful and touching poem, the Vietnamese Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh invites us to keep our hearts open and to cultivate compassion for all of life.
Meditation poems for children by Thich Nhat Hanh
To enjoy these meditation poems, find a quiet spot, sit in a comfortable position and notice your in and out breath. Read each poem slowly so the image sinks in. Close your eyes, and say silently to yourself the key words for each in-breath and out-breath. Smile and enjoy!
