Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Heidi Libesman's avatar

I think the movement from I to Thou, here to there, sorrow to song, wave within me to wave that transcends me- a wave of feeling and being that carries the first wave of sorrow back to another shoreline of being is something I feel and hear and relate to in this poem. Everyday or as often as possible I go down to the beach for what I call my medicine walk. It has become a daily ritual and kind of meditation practice. The other day when I went for my medicine walk I jotted down the following little poem. I am reminded of it as I read the poem and reflection you have shared today. Perhaps in kindred spirit you may enjoy. The poem is simply two lines:

“I left home alone

and returned

accompanied by the universe”

Expand full comment
Theresa Gale's avatar

Four breaths in and out - brings to mind a sentence in Ilia Delio's book, Ten Evenings with God: "Prayer, therefore, is God's desire to breathe in me, to be the spirit in my life, to draw me into the fullness of life. When I pray - when I breathe with God - I become part of the intimacy of God's life.”

Rarely do I appreciate the automatic nature of my breath. In fact when I really think about it I am only one breath away from having no breath. In watching my father and wonderful dog, Pepper, take their last breaths it was remarkable how still and peaceful each looked when the breath was no more within them. I remember thinking, especially with my dog, what a challenge it was to continue breathing and how, when he stopped, I knew he was at peace.

Thank you for reminding me how important my breath is and this leads to appreciation for my body as well!

Expand full comment
296 more comments...

No posts