All Must Go

Fall is falling all around us
Autumn leaves co-mingle 
at my feet
They hang on 
with battered limbs
until giving in to 
the insistent wind

Like rain they drop
from all directions
loosening
their grip on life
"Must hold on a little longer"
some not ready 
to die yet

No discrimination
as to color, shape or size
All must go
by time of winter

No leaf 
can be left standing
No disruption 
to the rite
All must be sacrificed
in the cleansing
The baring of the trees

The cycle
of the seasons
must continue as it has
Mother Nature knows
the reason
All must succumb
to her will

Yoga and Meditation Journal - 10/21/14

I think I should add walking to the journal title as it is my new staple, but for me walking is a meditation as I have said before, as I usually do it solitary and in silence. A moving meditation, in harmony with nature as I prefer to be outside, in whatever weather. It is going on week 3 of doing my thrice daily walks. I am really loving it and crave it. I just cannot stop so far. I have had a cold since last Thursday but manage to muster up energy to do a simple slow walk and the fresh air has been good for me. I am keeping it short while I am sick, but even when I think I may not go for my 2nd or 3rd, I find my body is moving me out the door, eager for its fix. I get going pretty early in the morning to get one in before work at our little park, then go in the afternoon on the track at work (love that we have that) or in parks on the weekend, finishing it off sometime in the evening (usually night - love the late walks) just up and down our street.

The walking is huge for my creative flow. I have written more poems since I have started the regular walking, and I find that since I do them mainly in my head that I remember them more. I will often finish/edit it at home but the main idea is set on the walk. Not every walk spurs a poem, but many do right now. As no surprise, since I am walking outside nature is a big theme right now for me. But I also relate my spiritual growth from my meditations into poems as well.

Interesting that this past week I didn't do as much yoga - the walking is taking more of its place but I am still finding the balance of what I will do as I progress. It is just fun trying to find the time for them all. Often I sit on the porch or a quiet place and do a full meditation after my walk. Great peaceful time. When I do my yoga now, I am more at peace and feel which poses I need to go into. While I have been sick restorative is more in tune, and it really helped to clear my sinuses one night. I have missed my class a bit lately due to schedule and work, but went to two workshops so that was nice. I will have to do more at home since my husband got a new job and our schedules may be up i the air for a while. Thinking of replacing my Tuesday class for a Sunday one. We will see.

I can really see how all the yoga, meditation and walking are enhancing my creativity and soul. I feel so alive right now. More than ever before. It is a great feeling.

Looking forward to a Thursday group mediation this week which I am sure will provide more visions and insights as well as inspiration for more poetry.

Namaste

Half of a Whole

Blessed or Cursed?

Will future portions persist
to find their match?
Or left alone
grow weary of their lack?

What purpose in this halving?
What hidden message here?

Perhaps this unhinging 
holds the key to all

From separation comes
appreciation of the whole

Angel Force Field

The angels are linked together
stretching from pole to pole
encircling the globe

Protecting and guarding
as the Earth spins on its axis
and rotates around the Sun

Infinite in number
Ever vigil, ever constant
Seeking to serve us
If we simply ask

Red Sky

"Red sky at night, sailor's delight,
Red sky at morning, sailors take warning"

The old saying came to mind 
as I stepped out into a red sky at dawn
It was full of bright pinks and oranges
with ominous dark gray clouds
Then it burst into a flame of golden yellow
but soon simmered into subtler shades of pink and gray
until the colors slowly faded away

What fortune that I was able to see
this wonderful display of light and color
at the start of a dreary day
What wonders are all around us
waiting to be found if we care to notice
Nature provides more enjoyment
and variety than any show on earth

10/14/14

Untouched Beauty

In the center of the circle
hidden in the rolling hills
lies a luxurious wildflower patch
full of vibrant colors
that beckons me to come
and breathe the fragrant air
before it is carried away
in the autumn mist

The first sight of this patch
brought such joy and excitement
I walked over and stared
with enamoration
at the immensity of it

I picked a bunch of flowers
in remembrance of that moment
but they didn't last long
beyond the magic of the patch

They could not capture
The same sensation
as the field in full bloom
With bees buzzing around
and the manicured grass
under my feet
A stark contrast to the
untouched natural landscape
before my eyes

I stood in awe at the beauty
we cut away each day
to pave the way for progress

10/13/14

Inner Beauty

Deep inside of me
My true self I can see
Standing in a mirror
The image is so clear
She radiates a glow
That someday I will show
As she steps out of the glass
We merge as one at last

Once the child is found
We travel all around
From star to star we fly
No need to question why
It is here that I belong
Where I can sing my song
Floating so high and free
My heart is filled with glee

As we return from our flight
The two are in my sight
Together in the mirror
These parts of me so dear
As I start to say goodbye
A shimmer catches my eye
My inner self is beaming
The light within her is streaming
Her wings are open wide
Stretched out on either side

What a gift to let me see
This wondrous part of me
I know she will always be there
When I need some love and care
I no longer need to hide
This treasure I've kept inside

10/12/14

Solitary Hike

The forest greets me with an array of colors
The leaves provide a carpet for my feet
The trees breathe life into this peaceful space
The sun plays hide and seek through their heads
as it blesses me with its filtered light

I am alone with no one but myself for company
The quiet seeps into my soul
as I patiently pave my way on the path
Time has no measure as I meander around

Nature is abundant in these beautiful surroundings
Completely supporting me as I contemplate
the meaning of my life

Award Winning Show

The trees shine in the spotlight 
as the curtain opens on Act 1
They stand in center stage and 
proudly play their part 
in the drama of the day

The Moon hangs in the eaves
while the Sun takes command
as Director of the show

It is a play we all know well
that has been playing for centuries
Never the same twice
except for the players
ever faithful in their craft

As the Final Act ends,
the spotlight slowly fades away
The curtain closes on 
another wonderful performance

The crowd stands to their feet,
erupting in applause
and crying "Encore!"

Fire of Freedom

When it comes time for the darkness to begin burning
Let me light the first match
Let me start the bonfire that frees all our souls
Let it burn, Let it burn, Let it burn

Burn away our burdens
Burn away our fears
Burn away our sadness, loneliness and despair

Let the fire ignite
HOPE in every heart
PEACE across the planet
LOVE everlasting
HAPPINESS for all humanity

Let us join hands around the fire
Singing songs in perfect harmony
Until the last burning ember 
brings the dawn of a bright new day

Night Shift

The Sun clocks out 
as the work day ends
He heads home to his 
nice warm bed

The Moon soon arrives for his 
shift in the night
Bringing mystery and magic 
with his soft, glowing light

He has a new outfit
for each day of the week
Sometimes he dresses boldly
Then other times is meek

His very best and finest
are worn on special days
Always charming and handsome
He is perfect in every way

As the Sun rises
his shift comes to an end
He quietly disappears
Our ever constant friend

Yoga and Meditation Journal - 10/8/14

Still feeling great. Doing yoga daily if not twice. Walking three times a day and that feels great. I just do it, without hesitation. It is becoming routine. Not sure if I will keep up the three times a day, but for now it feels right. It is really helping my body become healthier. I wrote a poem about how that feels (Breaking Through). Looking forward to my next yoga workshop on Friday - Healing Vibrations with crystal bowls. I enjoyed that the last time I went. The energy was amazing.

Breaking Through

As I walk each day
I feel the pounds melt away
I sense the thinner me
yearning to be break free

As each layer is peeled
The more she is revealed
I see her shine from within
as she emerges through my skin

Persist in this I must
with complete faith and trust
My goal can be achieved
If I continue to believe

I will meet her at last
When I let go of the past
We will merge as one
When all my hard work is done

10/7/14

Savor the Season

The first cold of fall 
cautiously crept in
while the heat turned on
to keep us cozy in our beds

It beckoned me to 
brave the brisk air
To breathe its freshness
To see the changing colors 
before they blew away

A plush sweater was 
pulled from the closet
and carefully donned
to wrap me in is warmth
as I stepped out 
with anticipation
into the crisp autumn day

My walk was refreshing
My body nice and toasty
My face flushed and full of vigor
I returned with satisfaction
at having seized the opportunity
to savor the season

10/5/14

Yoga and Meditation Journal - 10/5/14

Well the poetry is flowing again but it has been a while since I have done any journaling on here.
My yoga, walking and meditation are really flourishing, better than ever. I started my practices again about a month ago. It was sporadic until then. The winter and lots of work took its toll on me and I am finally taking better care of myself again. It feels great!

I have been doing my yoga at least once a day, even if only for 10 minutes in the morning. I started going to my classes at my favorite yoga studio, and of course have gone to as many workshops as I have been able. I just had one Friday night and it was phenomenal. It was Restorayin with Thai yoga massage. Heavenly!

The meditations are not quite daily yet, but I think of my yoga and walking as meditations. I really get in the zone when I do them. We have been continuing our weekly meditations at work, They are weekly now but for a while it was bi-weekly or whenever we could do it. I have usually been leading them and it is really a great experience for me to use my intuition and get in touch with my energy.
Our meditation group that we had been doing last year started again and that is great. It has a lot of good energy and I am seeing a huge difference in my life now.

I started daily walks and have been increasing it and now I crave it every day, even in the early morning (although I am usually a night person). I have been walking two to three times a day - just 10 to 20 minutes at a time and not a fast pace. Just to move - I call it moving forward. I mostly enjoy being outside when I walk, even on a rainy day like yesterday. I just put on my jacket and carried my umbrella. I am unstoppable.

Seek Your Rainbow

If today it is raining on your parade
Just ask the sun to come out and play

There can be no rainbows without rain
There can be no joy without pain

There can be no laughter without a good cry
Without rain the world would be dry

There can be no rainbows without rain
There can be no loss without some gain

If you're feeling dreary and wonder why
Just look for a rainbow to appear in the sky

There can be no rainbows without rain
There can be no life without a stain

You may find no rainbow nor pot of gold
But take pleasure in seeking as the day unfolds

There can be no rainbows without rain
Always remember this simple refrain

Appreciate each moment given to you
All the sunny days and the rainy ones too

10/4/14
Inspired by the sun peeking out as I went outside to take a walk on a rainy day

Morning Fog

The hazy fog 
clings to everything in sight
It slowly drifts as it
weaves its soft web
It swirls and surrounds 
all objects in its path
It blurs my vision as 
I pass through its walls

It persists in its mission to 
drip its cloudy sweat
throughout each crack and crevice 
and permeate each pore
It completes its job
as the morning comes to light
Its goal has been achieved
It has spread for all to see

Fall Day

The ground is wet from the night's rain
Dampness permeates the air
A puddle reflects the image it sees as clear as in a mirror

The sun is shrouded in a cloak of grey clouds
as if protected by a shield 
while it cuts the night and dimly comes alight

The plants drink their fill from their thirsty roots
The leaves stick to the pavement
as if glued in a colorful collage

Fall is upon us as it seeps into our lives
The changing seasons bring their varied gifts
Each day a new surprise

9/29/14
Inspired by another early morning walk in my favorite park

My Truth

           My SOUL
        feels trapped
    in this overweight
             BODY

         It yearns to 
          B R E A K 
        THROUGH
           all these 
        layers of fat

    At times it feels 
                             
           FREE

   from its 
       chains 
            of 
         flesh

  When it can 

    LIVE 
               in the 
                            MOMENT
                and 
    take 
              a 
                      DEEEEEEP
                                              BREEEEEEAAAAAATHHH

    I do not recognize
            this 
         IMAGE
     in the mirror

My SPIRIT seeks 
                                 RELEASE
from the BURDENS that I bear

PAIN, SORROW, LONELINESS
HATRED, ANGER, FEAR
have filled this vessel
until it begged for MERCY

HABITS started CHANGING
as each burden was released
The years of NEGLECT
were BEGINNING to fade

The BODY is the TEMPLE
of this SOUL upon the Earth
It needs CARE and COMPASSION
to truly HEAL from its wounds

With each HEALTHY choice I make
A TRIMMER me SHINES through
              
              I FEEL 
   what I will become
               I SEE 
 the vision of what can 
                 BE

  I know I can attain it
  To break these chains 
            and set 
         MY SOUL 
            FREE
         
               To       
        FINALLY
  look in the mirror
          and see
   MY TRUE SELF
    staring back at
            ME

Waking Sun

The Sun is peeking out 
from its blanket of trees
as with a stretch and a yawn 
it wakes from its sleep

From its soft bed of earth
it slowly arises
and gently sits up
as it rubs it eyes

It plants its feet
in a carpet of sky
and wraps itself warmly
in a robe of clouds

It opens the door
to greet the new day
and takes a deep breath
of the fresh morning air

It is cheerful and ready
to go to its work
Illuminating the planet
with its golden rays

9/28/14
Inspired by an early morning walk seeing the sun peeking from behind some trees

Beautiful Day

Perfection can be found 
     in the simplest of things

In the sun shining warmly
     in a clear blue sky
     as it finds just the right places to land

In the breeze sweetly blowing 
     on your face
     each time you need refreshed

In the delightful mix of sun and air
     that begs for you to 
             Breathe It
             Soak in It
             Bathe in It
     until you have had your fill
             and then some

In the onset of dusk
     that signals you
     to come and see
     the end of a glorious show
     
In the colorful flowers
     showing off their blooms
     as they fill the evening air
     with their wonderful aroma

In the crunch of the leaves
     underneath your feet
     as you stroll along 
     the peaceful streets

In the trees reaching down
     to greet you as you pass
     with a cheery hello 
     and a nod of their head

In the pink-streaked sky
     as the sun takes it rest
     after working hard
     to brighten our lives

In the wink of the crescent moon
     as it makes a surprise appearance
     while the sun finishes its bedtime routine

In a day that was so beautiful in every way
     from beginning to end
     that your spirit soars
     to heaven to thank it
     for letting you truly
             See It
             Touch It
             Taste It
             Smell It
             Hear It
                 and
             Feel It
     with all the senses
     blessed upon you

9/27/14
Inspired by the enjoyment of the most beautiful day
as I was walking in the evening and contemplating it

Daybreak

The dewy mist surrounds me as I circle all around
It hovers in the air as it hangs above the ground

The early morning sky is shimmering with stars
As I hear the swift movement from all the passing cars

While they rush to the start of their busy day
In the quiet of my mind I prefer to stay

The dawn slowly breaks as the Sun begins to rise
The darkness disappears right before my eyes

I savor every step of my simple little walk
Taking time for myself with no need to talk

As I step off the path, the dawn comes at last
These timeless moments pass by us so fast

9/26/14
Inspired by a very early morning walk before the sunrise

Precious

Golden and shimmering shines her sweet aura
So beautiful and fragile this spirit in my care
Her innocence and purity are very rare

I hold her so dearly
As I caress her soft, silky hair
And say a quick prayer

Then quietly off to dreamland she drifts
While my sweet melody wafts softly through the air
These precious moments are beyond compare

New Beginning

A new beginning 
has opened up for me
My spirit is ready 
to finally be free

In the book of my life
a new page has been turned
I will use all the wisdom
from what I have learned

I am eager to see
what this chapter will reveal
I am blessed to have the chance
for all my wounds to heal

New seeds are being planted
in the garden of my dreams
My heart is overflowing
it is bursting at the seams

Each step that I take
fills me with glee
This marvelous path
is a wonder to see

I'll watch it unfold
as the moments pass by
As words fill the paper
right before my eyes

I'll treasure each morsel
that falls along the way
Looking forward to the next
bright and glorious new day!

Inspiration

The fresh crisp air caresses my face
As the Sun greets me with a warm embrace
The birds chirp and call from their hiding places
Nature blesses me with all its graces

The blue sky above fills me with delight
The dew on the grass shimmers in the light
The leaves whisper as they move to and fro
The trees freely tell me all that they know

Inspiration all around me refreshes my soul,
nourishes my spirit, making me whole

9/19/14
Inspired to write this on a walk in my little park,
with all of nature surrounding me. 

Let The Light In

Let the light in
Where there was darkness
Let the love flow
Where there was sadness

No more fear there
Deep in the shadows
No longer lost there
With no one to guide us

Take my hand now
We will journey together
Through all the gateways
Spread on our path

Love is our birthright
It is our true calling
Allow it to open
Healing all pain

Nothing can stop us
If we stay together
Living in love here
Deep in our heart

I am blessed to have found you
My long lost treasure
I'll hold you forever
And never let go

9/16/14
Afterword to poem from 9/14/14 (The Treasure Within)
Inspired by a meditation that afternoon

The Treasure Within

The child was hidden
In the darkness deep down
All alone in her sadness
Waiting to be found

No one could see her
Or hear her cries
No one could find her
Even if they tried

So long she waited
Crouched in the dark
No light could enter
Not even a spark

Hoping for light
To brighten her world
Longing for love
To rescue her soul

Finally it happened
A glimmer of light
Searching for something
Hidden out of sight

After all the years
Hiding from the past
She couldn't believe
She'd been rescued at last

She stayed very still
Not knowing what to do
"Could this really be happening?
Could this really be true?"

A voice called out:
"You can come with me,
It is okay now,
You will be free."

She wanted to follow
But was still scared to go,
"Would it all be okay now?
Did the voice really know?"

The light became brighter
She shielded her eyes
The voice coaxed her softly
But she could not yet rise

The voice said "I love you"
And she felt an embrace
She looked up and felt
The light on her face

A hand took her slowly
And they walked away
No longer in darkness
Would she have to stay

She finally realized
Who had come to her aid
It was her own self
No longer afraid

The depths of her sorrow
She could bear at last
To open that door
And let go of the past

They came together
Integrating as one
What a joy, a wonder
Look what she had done!

She said "Thanks for coming
I wasn't so sure
That I'd ever see you
That you'd find the door."

They walked back together
To close the door
No need to go there
Not anymore

She jumped and she skipped
And swung up in the sky
The child could play now
No more need to cry

The two are now healing
Inside the one heart
What God has joined together
Let nothing ever part. 

9/14/14
Inspired by a healing session that united me with my inner child. 

Let It Go

Let it go
As the river flows
Let it go
As the wind blows

Let it go
Let your feelings show
Let it go
Hear your voice echo

Let it go
Don't take it slow
Let it go
Rise up from below

Let it go
Feel your heart glow
Let it go
Find your rainbow

Let it go
Let your wisdom grow
Let it go
Deep inside you know

9/13/14
Inspired by a meditation and sharing session on 9/11/14

Inspiration finds me again

I have taken a long break from posting and writing. My life got hectic and I didn't take as much time to reflect and contemplate. I am back to getting in balance and nurturing myself. The poetry flows when I am taking care of myself. The yoga, walking and meditation have increased again, which always centers me and allows my creative side to flourish. It feels great to be getting back in touch with my soul. It has been patient in waiting for me to connect with it again. 

Sounds of Silence

I am looking at sound
Flowing freely through the air
Emanating from each source
Searching for a destination

From lips as they speak
From a mouth as it gasps
or widens in a scream
From a tongue as it vibrates
pouring forth a song

From birds as they call
From children as they play
From babies as they cry
From friends as they laugh

From cars as they pass
From bells as they ring
From dishes as they clank
From a pan as it sizzles

From a dog as it barks
From a cat as it purrs
From a ball as it whooshes
past a player at home plate

From water as it drips
From rain as it patters
From waves as they crash
upon the soft sand

A myriad of sounds
We hear in every moment
Pass by us as we rush
Through our hectic day

Even gaps in between
echo as they fall
Between the cracks
in the pavement of our lives

If for a moment
We pause to take a breath
They are vivid in our sight
Surrounding us in the silence
At the core of our existence

Colors Blend

All the colors blend

Many mixtures to one end

Large strokes of red,

Thin streaks of orange

Bold messages they send

A blur of yellow

here and there

Adjust until its right

A hint of blue

amidst the white

Twinkles in the light

Brown and green

Bring earthen hues

Amidst the darker shades

A final dash

of pretty pink

Finishes the parade