Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Monk in the World Guest Post: Arlene Davies-Fuhr

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Arlene Davies-Fuhr’s reflection and poem “Some Days.”

My poem, “Some Days” was recently composed during Forest Church.  The surroundings reached out to me and asked me to ponder what type of day I was having.  A Robin one?  Or a bug under the stone experience?  I felt called  to embrace it all, no matter what, because the variety in life is stunningly beautiful.  And I know my Creator and Sustainer is ever-present with me. 

Some Days
Some days I am soft, green grass
co-existing with dandelions and clover.
Other days, I am rock.  Tough and flinty.
Formed by aeons of skin and bone.
Blood and preferences of ancestors
course through me as I move and
meditate and observe the clouds.

Some days, I am robin flying free
or wildly bathing.  Singing joyously
for all to hear. 
Other days, I am bug beneath the stone
revelling in the dark and coolness 
alone and happy.
Sun or shade, excitement or frustration,
I embrace it all.

Thank you Loving, Supportive Creator,
for life’s diversity and balance.
What a privilege to breathe,
walk, and write today.

Arlene Davies-Fuhr is a contemplative who appreciates time in nature during Forest Church and also practices daily mindful meditation.  She is part of a United Church congregation in Guelph , Ontario and she has produced a book of contemporary prayer-poems loosely based on thirty psalms.  As well as reading and gardening, Arlene loves playing the djembe, the dulcimer and the ukulele. 

You might also enjoy

Monk in the World Guest Post: Michael Moore

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Wisdom Council member Michael Moore’s reflection on Sabbath and Silence. I am thankful to Christine and the Abbey community for this opportunity

Read More »