Alone,
it rested
below the fresh
and blossoming
bouquet,
forgotten,
dropped.
As if it’s work was done,
the petal fell,
tired,
heavy,
worn.
It left the collective
where it had so faithfully held on,
believing that its beauty lay
in its contribution.
It could hold on no more.
It had to drop away.
It had to pull apart.
In its moment of letting go
and seeming it was done,
that petal
became
its most beautiful
version
of itself.
Learning to step
without overstepping,
or stepping back.
Learning to care
without caring
about results.
Learning to feel
with feeling
instead of thought.
Learning to differentiate
between true joy
and fleeting excitement.
Cultivating peace
over emptiness
in the stillness.
Learning that love
is a state of being.
I can no more be in or out of love
than I can be in or out of my body,
or my breath.
Love is not something temporary,
to be chased,
or clung to.
Love is the essence of freedom,
self expression, and connection.
Love is a state of being
that allows all else to exist.
The woodpecker with its beautiful crown of red and feathers of blue
alights on the side of the big oak tree.
Quickly setting to work,
diligently, making holes in the bark, tapping the marrow of the tree.
Rhythmically and expeditiously it farms.
The tree doesn’t seem to mind.
Is the woodpecker successfully harvesting sustenance?
Or, could it be coming up empty?
Simply searching,
patiently,
methodically,
systematically.
Poking
and poking,
until the choice is made
to go elsewhere,
or remain here,
seeking,
practicing,
exploring its skills
and talents,
supported,
nourished,
and satisfied,
wherever it chooses to be.
Reflecting your sparkle,
Your joy,
Your light.
Reflecting your goodness,
Grace,
Humility,
Kindness,
And love,
Until you cannot help
but to absorb
the characteristics you think you see in me
As what they really are,
Simply awakened parts of you.
Replacing reaction with reflection.
Grounded in lightness.
Free to expand.
Confident in choice.
Clear in direction.
Comfort in stillness.
Peace in the quiet.
Steady in heart.
Safe in this breath.
Heart broken.
A little piece
left rattling around
makes a sweet tune
every once in a while.
Smiling now.
Recognizing without conforming.
Allowing without absorbing.
Flowing effortlessly between the inner and outer world.
Uniquely connected.
Discerning without differentiating.
Stepping out of the rigid container of familiar and safe
to freely exercise vulnerability and authenticity.
Curious.
Open to the new and opposing.
Existing within this thin permeable membrane.
Maintaining sense of self.
Living deeply and authentically.
Prosperity is not found
in my possessions,
or attempting to make up
for what appears lost,
but in my gratitude
for what I have.
Replacing effort and trying
with releasing and allowing.
Engaging discipline.
Acknowledging capacity.
Values aligned.
Curiously listening.
Intuitively informed.
Soft not weak.
Strong not righteous.
Clear and present.
Monday Mindfulness 