"I can
see angels
sitting on your ears,

 Polishing trumpets,
replacing lute strings,
stretching new skins on the drums
and gathering wood for the evening’s fire.

They all danced last night
but you did not
hear Them."
-excerpt from 'I Can See Angels' by Hafiz 

"To be present for God’s touches, Francis found that having the right word turning over and over again on the tongue could make all the difference. The right word relaxed first the tongue, then it served to calm even the most troubled heart. Of course this wouldn’t happen automatically but with practice. Francis learned to find nourishment, safety, warmth, all from a few carefully chosen words that echoed in his head and heart. These words were both blanket and food for the soul. When the soul felt warm and fed, the body too would clearly feel better. In the most challenging times it was his mantra that poured consolation and guidance around his lonely heart. For Francis and many of the brothers, their mantra gained the power to seize and lift the moment. “Lord, Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ” again and again and again “Lord Jesus Christ.” Once while saying his mantra, Francis distinctly heard a high beautiful voice singing, “Hallelujah, hallelujah” in his chest. He kept repeating, “Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ” as he listened to the heavenly choir singing, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah” within him and felt their angelic voices filling the chambers of his heart. Francis looked around and seeing a brother next to him, he was surprised the brother did not also hear it."
-Dr. Bruce Davis, 'Simple Peace: Spiritual Life of Francis of Assisi (pp. 34-35). iUniverse. Kindle Edition. 

Bonus Quote:

"The Name comes through the heart and moves the lips and tongue.  The vibration is the holy name of Krsna.  When Krsna in the form of sound descends from (the) transcendental world into the heart, and from the heart, controlling every aspect of the nervous system, comes to the lips and tongue dancing there; that is krsna-nama."
-Srila Prabhupada 

Today's Practice:
Chant a name of God and know that God is present the moment you hear the Name.  God was always present, you just weren't.  But now you are.  

First you become aware of God as the Name, then as the vibration, and then, as the feeling of Love.  Then, abruptly stop the recitation and just BE LOVE.  Rest AS Love in the silence that was before, during, and after the repetition of the Name.  Identify with this Love.  And know that this Love is all there is. 

I Love you, 
Nik 

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