I am aware and awake
no longer hijacked by
the sympathetic nervous system:
Always putting out fires,
filled with distractions, agendas and othering
Can I offer myself some grace
in just the remembering?
To be aware when I am distracted and be gentle
and even offer a warm smile?
And when I am putting out the embers
and reacting to others’ agendas,
can I pause for just a beat?
The emergency can feel more important
than giving myself three S-L-O-W breaths
no one will notice
the air that fills my lungs
brings with it a promise and a knowing
That I got this
That even when I make mistakes, seem forgetful
– careless even –
this very moment of breath is true:
What is present and grounded,
steady and resilient within myself
forgiveness is not a passive attitude
forgiveness brings presence,
awareness, and the belief to try again
And to remember that we are innocent
and worthy of our own grace
Tag: forgive
To Walk in this world
We share the earth
its riches and gifts
the very air we breath
all for the taking
Not for the hoarding
the I, me, mine
has gotten us to this
pinpoint in time
to really make a shift
in our thinking, in our eating,
in our hearts and words
To walk in this world
we must become the stewards
to respect and replenish
Earth’s many gifts
The future depends on us
though we may not see what
lies ahead
There is power and empowerment
There is sorrow and horrors
like on this blood red ground,
ashes and cinders
where homes, schools and businesses
once stood proud
ready to serve, learn and relax
The fire burned out of control
like when we fire back
unspoken utterly ruthless
gutting thoughts
It’s hard to take those words back
But this too is a turning point
We can ask for forgiveness
deeply apologetically
And take the lessons gained
Lessons learned forward
to our future encounters
our future endeavors
To walk in this world
we must become worldly
not shy, timid or stretched
too thin with productivity
over commitment
we must dig deep and fill our well
so that there is an overflow
of good enough
of a shared right to the Earth’s gifts
Our own gift of peace can turn the tide
Try it. To walk in this world
say hi to a neighbor or heck
even a stranger
If the world feels unfriendly,
be the friend you wish to keep
If you get shut down or ignored,
it’s all part of the warming-up process
our warm hearts and hands
hold you and your beloveds.
Come take a walk with me.
Maybe
Maybe I should have stayed in the meditation longer. My stomach rises quickly snapping against my snug dress pants as I breathe breath of fire. I pause and take a break. I look for the EASE. I try to be gentle. Maybe today is not my day And that is okay. Can I forgive myself For not being “great,” For losing my momentum, For my perceived act of giving up? I can breathe And offer myself the grace I long to hear. That it is okay. Today is as it’s meant to be. The mundane, gray days Make the inspired days Sparkle with brightness. Can I find my inner light here too? We can’t do everything. One person’s mold or tools Are not a one-size-fit-all. And even though I know this to be true, I find myself at 45 Adjusting and rearranging To make it work for me Unapologetically. That is enough. I show up and Create my days to Conform to me And not compare or judge myself. I let myself off the hook And that is enough.
Healing Insights 