A few years ago, while walking around the streets of Santa Fe, New Mexico, I glanced over and this piece of art caught my eye. I was drawn to it. The simplicity of it. The colors: green for Life and Nature, a hint of yellow for Happiness. The prayerful hands, the serene, closed eyes, and the head ever so slightly bowed in prayer.
I flipped it over and read the title: “A Green Prayer.” Next, I glanced down at the artist’s name: Muller Davis. Green—my last name. Davis—my son’s first name. A HAPPY, PEACEFUL feeling overcame me. Sold!
Right before going into the hospital for a bi-lateral mastectomy (following a breast cancer diagnosis), my “Sisters” on so many levels held a sacred evening of love for me and my family. There were many beautiful rituals performed that evening, which wove together to present a complete ceremony, marking the healing journey I had just begun. One of the rituals was a prayer circle. Going around the circle, one at a time, each person offered up a one to two word prayer for me (presented below). As each person said their prayer, I looked them in the eye, felt their love and sincerity, accepted their profound gift and blessing, and offered gratitude.
As the last person spoke, I realized that their prayers made up “A Green Prayer”…not your common prayer, but a visual prayer that appeared to me in a piece of art. With their heartfelt words, my Sister-Friends had embodied the same simple, beautiful, circular flow the artist had portrayed in the piece of art I’d been so drawn to. And once again, I felt Happy. Peaceful.
My prayer for you today is this: May you feel the sense of happiness and peace in your life that you so deserve. Claim it…even if yours doesn’t look like a common prayer…CLAIM IT.
Here are their prayers:
I love the painting and am so glad you bought it. What a beautiful symbol of the strength and serenity you have. I adore you!
Thanks, Tracy. Adore you back!!
This piece, the art and your words, moved me to tears. So simply and profoundly beautiful. All of it. You. My word: Gratitude.
Much love to you, Carla. Thank you.
Love, Leslie
Leslie, I love this painting and your story behind it – the synchronicities. But even before I read your piece, I loved the painting for its projection of simplicity (who really knows how simple or complex the process was to create it?). When I first laid eyes on it, I was inspired to think “maybe I could do that… you know… paint something.” No disrespect meant toward the artist or the painting. In fact, just the opposite! From my perspective, Mr. Davis created the type of art that inspires imitation – not intimidation, the kind of art that beckons my soul to suddenly consider trying my hand at something new… or long forgotten…something I hadn’t considered before. Leslie, your life, your attitude, is your art and it is beautiful, whole, and vibrant. It inspires me in the same way “A Green Prayer” does! You are the embodiment of “A Green Prayer” – Green, prayerful, nature, serene, and whole. Love you sister! Thank you for courageousely sharing your art. Bay
I like your word choice, Bay (as usual), especially regarding inspiring imitation, not intimidation.
Thank you for EVERYTHING Bay.
Love, Leslie
love this and admire your strength and peace. <3