I just hate the word, "prayer"; for some reason it just gives me the heebie-jeebies.
But the way you describe it, Erin: communing with the universe -- that is exactly what I do every day, so I guess I am indeed pra..pr....pr...... communing with the universe!
I don't imagine a god or a "higher power" or any specific and separate entity hearing what I am saying or asking or working out; rather, when I ask for something, it's more like an exercise in trust. Trust that the present moment is perfect, trust that I will be accepting and present regardless of any preferences, and trust that solutions, love, freedom, and joy will flow through me and be presented to me in quiet moments, in dreams, and other unexpected venues. If I'm doing it right (not going all unconscious, I mean), it's a great way to deliberately think thoughts that feel good when I think them.
I just need a better word for it than prayer. *shudder*
