begin again

another plateau – another false summit – with much information, insight and gifts.

from here, we can see the beauty in the arduous journey so far

we have tasted it with our sweat, our will and our spirit.

it’s here that we will stop, take off our backpacks, lay down our sticks.

go to the edge. stand upon it and feel the power of your breath.

fill your lungs and heart with each inhalation

inspiring and committing

then, begin again.

inhabit your body and the life that carries you.

feel your heels pushing down against your boots and let the gravel beneath confirm their soul

body coming home to earth

knowing the feeling of being held.

and with eyes wide open, investigate its spaces with your mind and distill through your heart.

love it, admire it, be grateful for its service, forgive it for its imperfections and envision how it will be strengthened now that it has been seen and fully accepted.

you are the earth and breathing.

then, take a breath and begin again.

look at the distance you’ve traveled.

see the winding path through the mountainous valley – how signs of spring are beginning to erupt below

the dell of a sleep awakened

revitalized.

and see, also, the challenging terrain of thick forest,

remembering the darkness

and how the sun pierced through its dense canopy, lighting the way

knowing that the fog would lift.

adjust your map. change your view. commune with your nakedness.

know who you are without judgment and celebrate and accept every choice.

release all that didn’t serve you into the wind

and begin again.

heart beating

lungs straining

mind stilling

body touching

spirit loving

view reaching

exploring

opening wider…

witness that you are alive!