open up your hands
a restful musing
“open up your hands”1
a phrase heard before a gift is bestowed.
a prayer posture
a gentle command
All in all, opening one’s hands can be a sign that marks humility, need, and vulnerability. As 2024 began to wind down, I was very intentional about landing the year as gently, as softly as I knew how. I can honestly say that I did that. I spent time sitting and thinking. I spend time reading without any distractions. I spent time playing my keyboard. And I spent time reflecting on where I’ve been and the man I am becoming. I refused to grind my way into a new year simply because I love myself. The end of the year revolved around the imagery of landing an airplane gently because I deserve gentleness. Ease. That imagery served as an anchor for me as I considered the things that would nurture me and the things that would distract me.
Open hands are echoing in my mind as I consider 2025. And before this turns into an MLM scheme…No, I don’t mean toxic positivity. The way that people do when they prophesy blessings for an upcoming year. 2025 may turn out to be an incredibly trying year. My hunch is that it will be…and I hope I’m wrong.
“Are you sure, sweetheart, that you want to be well?… Just so’s you’re sure, sweetheart, and ready to be healed, cause wholeness is no trifling matter. A lot of weight when you’re well.”
― Toni Cade Bambara
No, the open hands that are in my mind are not naive hands. They are hands that are worn from toil. They are hands that have been through some things. Nevertheless, they are open. Open to new possibilities. Open to new friendships. Open to new ideas and ways of being. Open to those things that are virtuous. And Kind. The open hands in my mind are worn, but they are loved hands. Hands that deserve to be held. (I can’t help but think of Toni Morrison’s melodic scene in the Clearing…Beloved talked about the intimacy of hands.
This year my hands are open to loving all the people that I love, being held by all the people I adore.
Allow me to reintroduce myself,
If you’re new here, my name is Robert. I am a poet. A musician. A theoethecist that utilizes sacred texts in order to think through dynamics of disability, power, and access. I’m a Black child of God and I write about beautiful things.
I am happy to be writing on the platform after a break. I’m also happy about catching up on so many beautiful writers that are on Substack. :) Bless ya’ll. In case you want to bless my work, please feel free to buymeacoffee. Oh and if you’re reading this on an actual computer I think you can see I’ve changed my color scheme up ;)
a pentecostal phrase if I’ve ever heard one.
Robert, this was a nice way to enjoy my morning coffee. It's as if we were sharing a cup and speaking gently to one another. You have a sweet spirit within you.
Robert, should it be a trying year, then it shall be for a greater purpose. I say this from feeling the heart that shines through in your writing. With greater purpose you will keep your hands open, receiving a steady flow of wonder and marvel. The evidence is here, in this piece. I loved today's article with a depth newly discovered. Thank you--for sharing with us so generously ❤️