Awaken and remember
these are the times you were born for
Breathe in deeply to center
when you feel the heavy darkness closing in
Breathe out gratitude
for the chance to witness life in all of its fullness
Hold firm to compassion
‘though your heart aches with the suffering of others
Practice patience
as you breathe spirit’s glow into your aging fragile frame
Remain integritous
and reach out with an open heart and hold those you love close
Live joyfully
breathing out the ancestors’ light in what you think, and do, and say
*
Voices from the Margins 
Beautiful reflections… ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your always kind comments, Bette. 💜
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing, Carol. I was especially struck by the realization that “these are the times you were born for.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Rosaliene. Those words were inspired by something Clarissa Pinkola Estes wrote. Here is a link to the article that inspired the beginning of the poem that came to me as I greeted the morning: http://depthpsychotherapy.net/index_htm_files/Do%20Not%20Lose%20Hope.pdf.
LikeLike
Beautiful reflections, Carol. Some of your words reminded me of the writings of Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Sending my best wishes to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your lovely comments, Carrie. Clarissa’s words did come to me as I greeted the morning and the words of the poem flowed from there. I felt I needed to share the poem with others even though I was buried in grading at the time and wasn’t sure how to acknowledge Clarissa’s work without detracting from the clarity and simplicity of the message. I am still buried in grading which is why it has taken me so long to thank you for your kindness. I so appreciate your friendship. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Hold firm to compassion though your heart aches with the suffering of others” lovely and bittersweet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, lovely comments, Annette. Sending my gratitude and best wishes to you. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this and the drawing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, Pam. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words, DiosRaw. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome, love to you. 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Carol. A lesson in embracing our journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, Diana. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person