Athena Grey

She told me, in Her calm and matter-of-fact voice.
It's in your hands. Use them with compassion.

I know, I whispered back.

But I didn't really know until I had slept on Her words,
and seen the short film that went with them.
The woman I admired but had never met, in a coma
(Not to worry, this was a dream, for illustrative purposes only).
How I knew that by taking her hands, we could communicate.

Then, sweet time with my own mother.
Talking about the love between parent and child
that is the core of Life.
I could feel her, with my arm around her, as we sat and talked.

As a people, we have become frightened of touch,
seen it used as a weapon of dominance.
We need touch, healthy touch, compassionate hands.

Even without Reiki, there is power in our hands.

Today, as you go about the things you do,
Caress the fur of your animal companions,
Hug your family,
Shake hands with your colleagues,
Revel in the humanity of a crowded subway car.

Ignite the spark of compassion that lives in your heart.