liberation

freedom earned
when grounded in principles

act on your will and knowledge
weave with responsibility

grow a confident posture
knowing your actions
are rooted in
deep reflection and meaning

liberation...
a state of being

perspective

fingerprints,
the tangible reminder
each of us is unique

opinions, beliefs and experiences
actions, communications and interpretations
live in the context of
our own perspective fingerprints

perspective may not leave marks on the glass
but the imprint is always there

greetings

matter

enthusiastic, warm
and personal

a touch, a squeeze
a substantial hug

acknowledging
connecting
building

relationships

breathing

rhythmic, hypnotic
while I run
early in the morning

shallow, fluttery
when challenged
and then
deep, calm, conscious control

synchronized
as I lay by the girls
falling asleep

an awareness of breath

compass

Have you ever used a map
and still gotten lost?

The landscape changes
the map no longer guides the way.

I'm learning to use
a compass.

What direction are
you going?

What pulls you
this way?

Gratitude
Look for the gem.

spring

my girls' fingers and toes
purpled
with mulberry juice

joy

at the memorial...

images of her smile
wait, not just a smile
but rather
a joyous spirit

smiles can be fake and posed
hers was something different
something seen in the eyes
as well as the smile
and felt in the heart

joy
has a glow
feels sincere
is contagious
and develops passion

attraction

In the study of physics,
attraction is an electromagnetic force
drawing things together.

My thoughts and words
create a current that attracts
certain circumstances
into my life.

value

How do I add value?

a positive presence
a question posed
validation to a friend

a sense of humor
a reflective stance
creativity with my daughters

a willingness to learn
a mindful approach
listening with intent

a global perspective
a celebratory voice
acceptance of imperfections

and you?

openings

There's a break in the storm,
an opening in the clouds.
I look up to appreciate the light

It's a dramatic juxtaposition;
this blustery storm and
moments of light.

The sun is not ubiquitous today
but funneled and direct
helping me to discover
other openings
in my heart and mind.

stamina

There's the mental or physical kind.
Braid together
prolonged effort, positive attitude, active focus.
What emerges?
Stamina.

When you're around it you know.
People who develop mental and physical stamina
exude a magnetic energy.

agitation

It takes agitation to make a pearl.
The washer agitates to clean.
You've got to shake the lemonade.

The process feels abrasive, uncomfortable, restless.
I'm sure my eyebrows furrowed.
But, maybe, all that agitation I felt today,
will lead me to discover a gem.

portal

It's an opening, a world of possibilities,
and you have to step toward it and through it.
Move from the comfortable and the familiar
to a place where you feel
just a bit of dissonance
and you will grow.

prism

With a slight twist, an expanded array is revealed.
Something familiar becomes fresh.
Something murky becomes clear.
Something discouraging becomes promising.
Something irritating becomes softened.
Something overwhelming becomes possible.

food

Food Inc.
"life before" and "life after"

life before

emphasis on convenience
lack of knowledge
inconsistencies
cheaper
social pressures

life after

organic, sustainable farming,
fresh food, minimally processed
backyard garden and compost
preparing, cooking, and eating
savory moments

buy mindfully
eat better
feel great
do good

serendipity

I love the way the word, serendipity, feels. My voice rises on the "dip." I wonder, should it drop as the syllable implies?

I love the meaning of the word, serendipity; the ability of making accidental but fortuitous discoveries, especially while looking for something entirely unrelated.