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