Cicada shell:
little did I know
it was my life.
— Shuho, d. 1767

When I was a little girl, the cicadas emerged from the ground. Thousands upon thousands of these winged insects took to the trees, ascending to the highest limb, hoping to gain new perspective.

I was fascinated by the synergy within their movement, as if a million minds were suddenly enlightened and joined in the commonality of purpose. And, while others complained, I found an odd sense of comfort in their song rising above – masking the noise of day. Imagine, these tiny creatures waiting seventeen years for the opportunity to prosper and grow!

And, when they descended – only their shell remained; a perfectly formed metaphor capturing the true nature of our being. At first glance, the molted casing is nearly indistinguishable from the insect itself. But, in looking closer, we see it is only an impression that remains, the emptied shell a symbol of our attachments.

I’ve always held this image as a parallel to life itself. That is to say, we must embrace our brokenness in order to grow. In doing so, we give permission for the soul to extend beyond the limits of this physical form and become, at last, united with the whole.

Without which, how would we know?

Perhaps, as we engage this day we might remember that there is power even in the most fragile of form.

In peace, my sweet friends…I love you all.

Namaste ❣️

When the
moon is full
I see myself
reflected
within the
dark pools of
muddied water;
even here,
beneath my feet
there is a sweet
release.
Her soft glow
beckons me
forward
through the
unforgiving brush.
I stand alone
though never
lonely.
At last
I breathe,
this exquisite air
filling my lungs
with the unrelenting
hope
of a thousand
tomorrows.
Nothing is ever
beyond our
reach.
We are
and shall
always continue
to be
that single
point of
light
within a
seemingly
impossible darkness.
Even as her
spirit wanes,
still, she is
compelled
to carry
the fire of day
into the inky
depths of night.
Just as we
ourselves
partake,
in both
the source
and our
continuance.

My sweet friends, please forgive the length of my absence as I continue to recover from a heart related issue.

The doctors say my heart has been injured, though still it beats – carrying light to others as it was always intended. I wrote this poem, reminded of you…your kindness, your wishes, like the moon compelling me forward. You are my life’s greater blessing.

Happy Christmas, my friends… I love you all.

In peace…

Namaste ❣️

Most will never understand the true nature their own capacity. The capacity to discover, to transcend, to heal – each, a seemingly effortless transition for those of greater heart and mind.

Fewer still, will have the fortitude to believe in their own strength to fulfill the promise of a spiritual renewal. To dream beyond the status quo, as the soft waves of assurance break gently at their feet.

We set our own course, yes – of course, yes. And, we alone, as author Erik Pevernagie once shared, “have the potential to rise up against the dictatorship of destiny.” To turn the course of our existence into one of empowerment and choice. To live the legacy of our frail, human soul.

Until we hear that sweet song, once again. And, we realize that the Divine settles deep into each new beginning.

In peace, my sweet friends. If I may, in closing, if I may encourage the question, from author, Kamand Kojouri:

“If your mind can move mountains
and swallow gods,
Why does it worry with helpless yesterdays
and unborn tomorrows?”

Namaste ❣️

This morning I sat in a crowded patient waiting room, surrounded by veterans in various stages of disease and disrepair. I’ve been putting off the appointment for some time now – fear getting the best of even the most seasoned practitioner.

But each of us must, in time, face our limitations. To stand, humbled to our core.

My body doesn’t ‘do’ what I wish it could, any longer. To engage this day, passing largely  unnoticed by those who’ll note my obvious hunched and lumbering posture. I knew my Parkinson’s would advance, but I never realized the stiffness to follow – a stiffness so overwhelming I’ve been unable to place hands to keyboard and wander my way through.

I also knew there would come a time when my thoughts and writing would slow. Would I have enough yet still within to captivate the senses of those I love so dearly?

My readers…

I’ve been away my friends, but not for long – only occassionly when the spirit begs for rest. And, always to return again…refreshed, centered and stronger as a result of my experience.

These are the times that mold and shape. The unmitigated aspects of smashing to bits that which strives to hold us back. Yet, in spite of our struggling we inevitably rise again, demanding retreat of a bone crushing fear.

Until, we sit before the keyboard again – somehow made better…perhaps, even enriched…as the words begin to form from deep within our most vulnerable place. And, warming our stiffened hands we begin again…

A thought, formed into letters…until finally, words set into magnificeny motion through an irrefutable force – our hopes and our dreams now fashioned into wings.

A force and gift of nature? Yes. A continueum of self in perpetual motion. Because, as uncomfortable as this may be – THIS is who we are…

In peacee, my sweet friends – I am eternally grateful to your patience and kindness through this life challenge.

Blessings and peace to all…

Namaste ❣️

An old English rose rested its weight against the fence, and, grateful for the reprieve it gasped. What was once deemed impossible now a fading memory.

In these precious few moments, the seeking subsides offering in its place, a broader depth of knowing. What we wish, what we desire – our greater impediments.

We seek the truth, but when it knocks at the door, we turn it away. But this frail English rose? She dares to understand.

“Like vanishing dew,” the poet Ikkyu writes. “a passing apparition or the sudden flash of lightning — already gone.” Thus should one regard this conflict of self, chasing fear with a simple willingness – to just simply be – embracing the light along with the rain.

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❣️

I haven’t written in a long, long while. Perhaps due to an imminent fear, one inherent to all human hearts. That of something much larger than ‘one’ – causing us to flee and retreat.

Even the most sophisticated and grounded of minds can not be made immune. This is our discovery, a ‘touch point’ along a great and magnificent journey.

Do we dare to complain knowing the enrichment to follow?

I sit here humbled staring at a mottled grey blue sky, wondering. – how in the world can this human form wothstand the complexities of this ceaseless roar?

Yes, my health has taken an unexpected turn. But the ‘fire’ that rises within burns bold and bright. And that which was once only a shattered flicker of a hope-filled light becomes my roar – one more step along this pathless journey.

We are not born into greatness, my friends. We are stripped of the dignities of our protective she’ll until the sun once again meets our eyes and we see this world in a magnificent new light. In these moments, we may feel small though even our shadow carries the full length of light.

I’m here, my sweet friends – thank you for the outpouring of care and good energy while I learn to navigate with newfound sight.

In peace and with all my love…

Namaste ❣️

Over the past several weeks I’ve been feeling somewhat overwhelmed. A combination of a new medication for my Parkinson’s and the stress of a bigger life change have proven their challenge. Much larger than myself, at times, it would seem

In these weaker moments, we may be inclined to succumb to the draw of complex emotions. We want to make right, to fix what we don’t yet fully understand. But shouldn’t we allow the lesson to run its course?

And, when we are overwhelmed we might feel a sense of unworthiness or fear. In these tumultuous times, our faith may decline. What we once knew so intimately is yet again unfolding. The true test? Whether or not we are willing to make this critical investment in what will ultimately serve as our awakening.

It’s through these moments of chaos and indecision that we begin to appreciate the testimony of our own fragile spirit. And, seeing it within a brand new light, we become…

Everything and anything we ever wished and hoped to be.

In peace, and I pray you’ll offer patience as I navigate through this new life change.

Namaste ❣️