Autumn leaf adrift…
"At times, the world feels like a brilliant autumn leaf adrift in an unexpected place—out of context, yet vibrant and unapologetically present. In moments like these, perhaps the only thing left to do is meet it all with compassion. And maybe—just maybe—that’s enough."
(Story below, 4 min. read, plus 2 songs, one on compassion, one ‘like a river’)
“To be nobody-but-yourself—in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else—means to…”
E.E. Cummings
Suddenly, I burst into tears—
It’s Saturday morning. We’re seated at my new low table on the floor, coffee warm in our hands, reading a post from The Marginalian about E.E. Cummings. My partner built the table, inspired by the Japanese style known as a chabudai. I love sitting on the floor—it makes me feel grounded and close to the earth, in a way that feels real and uncomplicated.
Something about our quiet reading together touches a place deep within me. It’s been a tender stretch of time, filled with feelings I’ve had to let settle in their own rhythm. While sitting there, my heart unexpectedly breaks open, unleashing a wave of tears, love, and profound compassion. But not in the way I expected.
I thank him for the reminder—his response to my lengthy pondering that has weighed on me. Somehow, his heartfelt response meets me with an essence of deep kindness that is possible from every single person. Compassion’s wide-open window shows me that the answer I thought I needed… doesn’t matter. Instead, what matters is this: love, care for self and others, and letting everything be exactly as it is. I thought I needed resolution. What I really needed was to allow it all to exist—just like this.
E.E. Cummings, Rewritten
In the middle of that moment, something else becomes clear. I’ve spent so much time sitting with feelings, waiting for them to change, waiting for clarity, as if answers would arrive with some grand certainty. But now I see the answer isn’t something you figure out—perhaps it’s something you feel, simultaneous to an inner knowing and maybe it doesn’t need to change.
That’s when I hear Cummings' words in a new way. Over our coffee, I purposefully rewrite his famous lines:
"To be nobody-but-yourself—in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else—means to be as you are, rest in nature’s simplicity. Let yourself feel. Rest naturally in innate ease. Relax, in the moment….and ‘Keep meditating.’”
(Wangdor Rinpoche said: “Keep Meditating”.)
In our earlier coffee reading, Cummings' words seemed difficult and effortful..like it’s something you have to do—be yourself, and never stop fighting! It’s easier to give up the struggle instead of fighting against or controlling everything. Our authentic nature simply is already accomplished and at ease.
This is your invitation to relax, trust, and lean into your truth without effort or force.
I see this:
Love is never mixed up.
Love is pure.
It’s a sweet truth,
A sweet felt sense.
And it’s never figure-outable.
Maybe the extremes in life are simply as they are. In an ordinary way, balance is like being somewhere in the middle: a little bit of this, a little bit of that. From a universal understanding, without any frame of reference, all our perceptions, thoughts, and sensations are pervaded by an equalness and evenness—felt in, of, as, and through our entire experience.
On Compassion
What’s it like for others?
How do things feel from their perspective?
What experiences and consequences have led them to the behaviors and thoughts they hold?
Compassion is love’s mode of operation—pure, open, and already present.
What if we realized that everything is already resolved, already forgiven, and we don't have to do anything to know that great resolution and forgiveness?
I speak from my own recognition: It’s true. It’s already resolved, already forgiven.
Invitation:
Meditative practices—such as yoga, walking in nature, breathing, relaxing when we remember to during the day —offer something precious: the ability to meet ourselves exactly as we are. In that meeting, we find clarity, discernment, and care—for both ourselves and others.
Ask yourself:
How do you spend your time?
Who do you surround yourself with?
How do you use your energy?
Healthy boundaries, self-care, and deep love begin within. They allow you to rest in what is—where nothing needs to be forced or figured out.
If we could see the world through another’s eyes, we might act exactly as they do. Compassion asks us to feel others' experiences.
So here’s to resting in that knowing—especially this fall, and always.
Offerings:
As always, I invite you to explore my offerings, including yoga classes, poetry, and meditations. What resonates with you today?
Yoga & Meditation: Gentle sessions for clarity, ease, and functional movement
1:1 Mentorship & Coaching, work with me: Personalized guidance aligned with your inner wisdom
Healing & Pain Management: Reiki, energy work, and integrative practices for chronic pain relief
Creative Expressions: Nature photography, poetry, and retreats immersed in nature
👉 Explore more here on my website.
Resources & Inspiration:
Songs of the Month:
"Om Mani Padme Hum" by Jane Winther
I’m always swept away by this lovely mantra, it embodies the essence of boundless compassion. Learn more here.Like a River: Ocie Elliott
Inspiration:
A thoughtful space filled with insights on compassion, creativity, and personal growth.
Wishing us all a fall season filled with ease, love, and deep compassion.
With love and light,
xo
Cheyenne
More personal reflections and dream notions are coming on Substack.