Streams of Thought
Breathing in the crisp air that surrounds me I begin to ponder. I see the trout hold their path in the stream, the squirrels that eat through the pines, hear the whistle of the birds above. What the earth surrounds me with is like a cool drink that fills my soul.
I was not born for an office, hardly even that of a house. I belong to earth and she belongs to me. Peace is not found in the cacophony of wants and desires. The body craves indulgence yet the spirit seeks tranquility. It is at the top of the mountain and the middle of the sea where I find mine. Yet I can not abide only on the outskirts of civilization, so how can I hold on to that peace?
Where water flows life grows
It is inward I place my sights. Seeking to understand the depths of my humanity, not only for myself but that I might see the hearts of others as well. For what is humanity if we are locked away in the chaos of our own making. Living in a reluctance to sit, to breath, to surrender.
We exist with the constant noises that never cease. The alarm that wakes us up and the screen that puts us to sleep. Stepping away for your own sake takes a discipline not often spoke of. We believe the lie that if we are not with the times then we will be left behind.
How can one person hold up all that humanity shoulders upon us? I have fought to carry that burden, yet time and time again I have fallen to my knees. Breaking under the strain, I ask the meaning of the weight. Not realizing I have yet to learn the simple but onerous task of letting go.
Reaching towards the heavens
It is I that white knuckles that which leads me to despair. It is me in the mirror questioning why I accept the burdens that seemingly no one and everyone has placed upon me. So I must ask myself, why do I shoulder these thoughts?
Is it due to the pressures of my childhood, that I felt the need to be perfect? Or perhaps that I see my gifts and believe if they are squandered I am failing? Maybe even the lie that I am responsible for the contentment of others?
This is why you must turn your sights inwards, to recognize your own heart, your fears and dreams. That is the beginning of true peace. Of a life lived of your own making, and not the race you have felt forced to run. It is not the answer we always desire, that the obstacle is the way, but it does not make it any less real.
Paths to places unseen
Yes, earth can provide escape. Ponderous visions of color and clarity. Guiding you into an isolation that relinquishes you from your daily reality. It is an aid, but it will not solve the inner turmoil we all wrestle with. For that we must seek discipline of both body and mind.
Attune yourself to meditation, seeking that center of self where you belong. Pursue a word for the day that brings clarity and upliftment. There is no need to ignore all that moves around you, but it is unnecessary to let it run rampant within you.
As I sit beneath the stars and above of the waves I listen and I let go. Failing more often than not, but still stepping forward each day. For I may not always be lost at sea, but I will always be with myself.
Mama always told me to smile
