when beauty comes
in the shape of a cloud
or the round curves
of a sweet woman
when it stops us
in our well worn tracks
with songs
and sunrise colors
it nurtures the heart
like few other essences can
it patiently tries
to shine through us
calling us near
from everywhere
humming:
i was made for you
fireproof
all seeds slumber in
the garden of my heart
just waiting for the watering can
when all around me fires burn
how do i fireproof my mind?
fresh wars ignite continuously
from squabbling friends
to guns and bombs
it’s not too long a road
seductive is self-righteousness
no matter where and when
when retribution is no longer sought
and i’m untroubled by offense
then my heart is fireproof
and you and me are safe
a juicy, juicy question
living in this wonderland
of bones and blood
of breath and leaping fire
this miraculous state
of being human
witnessing
the in and out
what will be next?
what is in season and fresh?
what within does the witnessing?
such a juicy, juicy question
simply resting
when my fearful heart
and agitated mind
need soothing
when my tired body
needs healing
pausing hands and feet,
mouth and eyes
simply
resting
a quiet pause
is powerful medicine
today i delight
today
i delight
in the friendships
blooming all around me
in the good fortunes
of my neighbors
in the homes
where peace dwells
where shadow
turns to light
i delight in the spring wind
caressing the land
and those who pause
to feel it
relationship mirrors
we get to know ourselves in relationships
feel our still sharp edges
reach the limits of our skill
if lucky we get so humbled
that we rediscover humor
and hang out
in the serene state of not minding
then when we grow warmth
what sweetness it brings to the land
you are home
here under the vast sky
you are home
held in the universe’s wings
just as you are
your inclusion
is never in doubt
you belong
to the song of life
whole and indivisible
it chimes
with every breath
entwined
allow
knowing
how connected
you truly are
i choose to believe ...
“good medicine”
i choose to
believe
that joy is good medicine
for us all
tending the garden
of the heart
deep into my soft soil
joy burrows its roots
prevailing
even in times of sorrow
this i choose
to believe
i ask myself...
“ … for the love and beauty of the game”
on this brand new day
i ask myself to remember
to go slow
oh, even slower
to pause
often
and listen to life
with my whole body
to respond from
my true values
and observe the birth and death
of my thoughts - closely
i ask myself to remember
to know the internal landscape
as well as i know my own home
and care for them both
with tenderness
to laugh and play
with self-abandonment
for the love and beauty
of the Game
enough to share
“winter light”
balancing
this
spark
of a life
that unfolds
between
the wonder of existence
and the marketplace
from breakfast to starlight
with muddy boots,
soft eyes
and a quiet mind
catching
enough
fish and grace
to share
that’s
a swell of
joy
we have so much in common
“a brief appearance”
how do we connect
life to life?
we have so much
in common
experiencing
an earthly existence
of body and spirit
braided together
may our meetings
be fresh and fizzy
witnessing in each other
life in its countless forms
briefly making an appearance
in the Great Theater
playing to get muddy
playing
it’s all about joy
full throttle
getting muddy
just to keep joy
bouncing between us
glad to be losing
seriousness
even old legs still move
at the speed of laughter
while we play
the game of life
mud-spattered, contented
until bedtime
in fairytales
in fairytales
breadcrumbs were left
to find the way home
yet soon they were eaten
by the creatures of the woods
i’ve been
spending the years
looking for crumbs
then, sitting still,
giving up,
when all seeking had ended
home
was there
all along
living lightly
“living lightly”
when the mind is crowded
living in stories of memories,
of fantasies and fears
the marvel of this moment
is hard to see
the fresh, unsullied breath
that’s never been before
living lightly
in this moment
we come home
a horse called "mindfulness"
“Yippee!”
each day
getting bucked off
each day
getting back on
the horse called
“mindfulness"
staying in the saddle
for as long as possible
with infinite tenderness
and curiosity
just paying attention
to where the mind wanders
to the heart’s delights and woes
to the changing sensations in the body
what an illuminating,
dusty journey
yippee!
they are already on their way
they are already on their way
the joys that arrive
out of the blue
the next wave of laughter
that’s not too far off
the insights that rush
towards you, that bring new clarity
then around the corner comes
compassion to dwell with you
and wonder waits
to be let in with ample gifts
visitors all, drawing near
seeking your good company
where will you be today,
when they knock upon your door?
keen senses
awake to bursts
of sunbeams on a blustery day
to wind made visible
in whirling leaves
to the flight of birds
that swoop to meet my feeding hands
keen senses pull me
into the present
to the music of the moment
and the far-off fragrance of a fart
to the never-ending play
of sudden and subtle changes
receptive to
the Mystery that abounds
greetings
“greetings!”
to the rocks in the garden
and the colorful carpet of maple leaves
“how are you?”
to the dove breakfasting on millet seed
“hello!” blue dragonfly,
morning light and green tomatoes
what a circle of friends
as i walk upon the earth
welcoming what comes
upon the banquet table of the senses
expressing greetings
with joyous freedom
to the stillness in the woods
and “Friday” the neighbor’s cat
and to you dear one,
reading these lines
of connection between us
”salutations!”
may your day be filled with wonder and wellness
just as i am
there is a timeless meditation that asks:
can i accept myself just as i am?
i watch as this question enters my mind,
instantly the negotiations begin:
do you mean accept right now?
even my imperfections?
do you know the mess it is in here?
can i just tidy up a bit, refine myself…
to be more palatable for gods and neighbors alike?
for i have always seen myself as an improvement project,
never quite good enough - just as i am
Oh, what a curious state of affairs!
how did it get that way?
from the first heartbeat to the last
my life has been accepted to the Great Dance of Life
welcomed without hesitation
so i ask again… can i accept myself just as i am?
accept my body?
the capricious thoughts that come to visit me?
the gentle breezes and storms in the emotions?
and the endless monotony of my habits …
can i welcome it all?
only simple questions remain
“welcoming all of life equally”
there are moments
that have power
loosing a loved one
perspectives change
standing at the threshold
drawing nearer
to the Mysteries
it seems that only simple
questions remain
how well have i loved?
have i allowed life to love me?
