A poem about mindfulness.
Draw breath my friend. Draw a long single breath.
Linger in this moment with me, being all that you are
and yet nothing, simply a collection of cells, elements
molecules, DNA ladders, arranged to create you,
a living breathing creature of the planet.
Take time to contemplate this breath. BUT.
Who before you drew this breath, is still part of it?
Which trees created it? Which dinosaur, early human,
juggernaut, or aeroplane, exhaled before it became your
own simple, precious, polluted and unique breath?
Think carefully, my friend, what is this poisoning
we take so casually? Always wanting more, barely
noticing the gift of experiences so rich and diverse,
life to experience, to co-create, to weave it,
like children creating cats cradles, or friendship bands.
So stop, contemplate, draw a clean breath once more
allow the breath to fill you with life, gratitude
for your own life, the greatest gift we have. Take a long
gentle look at how you live it, with compassion, self
reflection, humility, openness and honesty.
Thank the trees for creating this breath, thank the
planet for creating you in this moment, in this joyful
single moment, like the steam arising from a horse’s
nostril on a frosty morning, see its beauty, its eternal
presence, and simply draw another breath.