Take Ourselves Lightly (New Poem by Polly Castor)

Take Ourselves Lightly (New Poem by Polly Castor)
Take Ourselves More Lightly Poem, poem by Polly Castor

(detail from Steaming Hot by Polly Castor)

Take Ourselves Lightly

The lightest and most
immaterial elements
of the cosmos
reign supreme.
Approximately 73%
of the mass of the
visible universe
is in the form of hydrogen,
which is the lightest element.
Helium is the second-most
abundant element,
and the next lightest too;
it accounts for about
25 percent of the
collective mass.
(Both are gas.)
Everything else
represents only 2%!
Please note that
heavier elements
are much more rare.
We should remember
this superabundance
of lightness
when we are feeling
dark, lumbering,
grim, or humorless.
After all, what is
most prevalent
is effervescent fizz.
The Creator of the Universe
(in presaged infinite wisdom
designed what everything
is actually like and what
we are to image forth)
prioritized lightness by 98%,
so maybe we should as well.
Lets take ourselves more lightly
by being easily ebullient, euphoric,
lenient, carefree, breezy, buoyant,
cheerful, elated, vivacious, merry,
jubilant, sparkling, optimistic,
exuberant, happy, bright, gentle,
thoughtful, joyous, ecstatic, blissful,
exultant, pleasant, agreeable, charming,
jolly, kind, gracious, accessible,
benevolent, free, charitable, loving,
tender, generous, mild, solicitous,
direct, delicate, pervasive, obliging…
All these are
characteristics of lightness,
which is almost all of what is present.
So laugh, skip, and bounce today.
Giggle, cavort, shimmy, chuckle,
flash, give, glint, emit, release,
leap, play, twinkle, and warmly beam.
Be the light of the world,
and let it not be hid.

by Polly Castor
2/27/2021

Take Ourselves More Lightly Poem

(detail from Overcoming White Supremacy by Polly Castor)

I work to amplify good wherever I find it. I love color, texture, beauty, great ideas, nature, metaphor, deliciousness, genuine spirituality, and exploring new territory. I encourage authenticity, nurture creativity, champion sustainability, promote peace, and hope to foster a new renaissance where we all are free to be our most fulfilled, multifaceted, and terrific selves. Read more here.

6 Comments

  1. Elizabeth A Shattuck 3 years ago

    Wonderful, Polly! I was delighted when a church member commented on my lighthearted yet respectful approach to a recent meeting I led.

    • Author
      Polly Castor 3 years ago

      Two of your beautiful qualities to be sure!

  2. Joseph D Herring 3 years ago

    A few years ago, the world of movies and books became fascinated with the theme of ” the unbearable lightness of being.” In essence, this is an unresolved debate between personal existence as either insignificant or significant . I gather you’re for lightness.

  3. Sue Krevitt 3 years ago

    Ohhhhh …. you …. supremely and joyfully
    Wise Woman of Light!!

    ;-))

  4. Dilys 3 years ago

    That’s beautiful Polly!
    When I was in Junior school one of my teachers wrote on my school report that I should learn to curb my exuberance! I like to think that I haven’t!
    Thanks for reminding me that exuberance ( defined as cheerful enthusiasm) is a wonderful spiritual quality!

    • Author
      Polly Castor 3 years ago

      Oh yes it is! And it is a every endearing one!!

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