On Generosity
without thought you give
Without thought
you give
—as if there is nothing to
protect or keep
generosity…
free and clear
unrestrained, flowing without fear
b o u n d l e s s
and
pure
like a crystal stream cascading from a high mountaintop
p l u n g in g
into
the
creek
glistening
as the lake
returning to the creek’s
e m b r a c e
meandering
down
the
river
s t r e t c h i n g out to the endless ocean—
a seamless and timeless F L O W
you share
and are boundless
seeing no difference
you flow
extending
seamlessly
like the warm breeze that touches my skin—
precious and dear
unwavering and
A B S O U L U T E
I wonder how that water continues
I gaze up at the mountains
where there is no snow
yet the water rushes on
Abundant
and Eternal—
a symbol of
e n d l e s s G E N E R O S I T Y
there is no stopping point
even if it does dry up
Generosity IS
unconditional.
—held.
it
depends
on
n o t h i n g
pure
free
c l e a r
no thought
It fills the heart—
G e n e r o s i t y
O P E N h e a r t
open mind
Unconditional.
If you gently squish a banana
If you gently squish a banana
If you gently squish a banana,
pressing on its sides and turning it slowly,
you'll find three sections that naturally split apart.
flawlessly formed,
an intricate pattern
woven and embedded within itself,
lines of symmetry, nourishment, and fullness,
blatantly and methodically purposeful.
FRUIT AS LOVE.
Perfectly given and perfectly whole.
Then, sometimes you eat it.
sometimes you don’t.
all the while, it’s still all good.
Sound in Sound out
image ai created with poem prompt
What sound do you hear in your ear?
What sounds spill from your mouth?
How much energy does it take?
Why do you speak?
Is the intention for connection?
Or, isn’t the intention for connection?
What do you truly wish for, beyond what’s right here?
I gaze into my black cup, filled with coffee,
seeing my reflection,
my glasses perched on my nose,
mirrored at the bottom of the cup.
I sip and write,
surrounded by the café’s hum,
coffee drinkers lost in endless
babble,
babble,
babble.
We are together,
drawn to this shared buzz of social connection.
We make noise with our mouths and listen with our ears,
like whales gathering in the deep,
seeking safety,
comfort,
And love.
Mammals.
—we crave the company of others, be it,
ultimately
a
reflection
of
ourselves.
Open mouths,
sound in,
sound out.
Rain falls outside the window
as I stare out,
coffee cup in hand.
What if we spoke without fear?
I wonder.
Nothing might change—maybe a deeper connection,
or disconnection within connection,
or perhaps something more.
A man with a big smile,
his hair grey with the wisdom of the years passes by.
He steps onto the stage and says,
“Excuse me,” to the two women chatting beside me,
perched on stools along the live-edge wooden table.
“May I take the paper? I need the living section
for my daily crossword puzzle,” he says.
“Do you know that every day is great?” His smile widens.
The women, shining with the same wisdom,
laugh with him and reply,
“Yes…
—just put your feet on the floor
—every day is great.”
Be
In the whirl of life's vast sea,
Does the bee not trust to be?
In the whirl of life's vast sea,
Does the bee not trust to be?
Guided by completeness, and free,
In grace's arms, it is the key.
Too busy, yet in flight, it sees,
The path laid out, with gentle ease.
In every moment, a decree,
Trust in grace, eternally.
So let us learn from buzzing wings,
In all the energy, peace still sings.
For in our trust, true freedom springs,
In its completeness,
May our heartstrings simply be.
Not far not near just here
The Peace is in the Pause
The Peace is in the Wait
The Peace is in the Soak
sound of the wheels shriek
weight. wait.
—heaviness of the train cars
solid and familiar
middle of the night comfort
steadiness
something familiar
it’s the weight of it
the strength
—strong hold
captured by this
heart shines in its moving power
comfort of its sound
there it is—
it takes one through the past, start to now…
things are here
what is it that stays?
when things go?
there it goes
it seems to pull one down a line…
a simultaneous reference of the past and present
but all at once
it starts as a child until now,
—with the fountain over flowing
the foundation of it all
the wonder and delight
it takes us to places we’ve had to wait…
to be patient
sometimes feeling annoyed by its passing
things passing and changing
and by my own waiting
an inconvience
a teacher of patience
that there is more
—it’s always going somewhere
taking something somewhere
and yet there it is,
giving
I hear it ring in my ears
three times
once more
what is that thing of three?
mind.
body.
voice.
its call is three times
in the night
In the distance
but here…
it calls out it’s presence
impermanence
swift and sure
I am reminded
and my heart feels a tinge of pain
pain in it all as all
comfort in all
joy in all too
I am here,
you are here
we all are…
the steadiness like the mountain,
the forest
—held by the tracks
close along the flowing river
ebb and flow
it pulls the heart and wraps it in comfort
it pulls from beginnings through all that has crossed
every alert
the sound strikes a familiar rung like a pattern
the wheels turn
..hit the rail
round and round
steady, steady
human study
—a line that threads through one’s life
eternal
and the essence not changing
it’s just there
one train
just one.
set as a jewel
steadiness
one time driving you through the years, so it seems
—wait for the train
settle and soften
in an openness
setting aside your ways
the patterns
nothing has changed and everything is changing
coming and going
along that familiar track
it’s loud and clear
a steady line echoes through
sound in your ear
unwavering strength
unwavering power
unwavering intent
it’s a line,
warmth
in the distance
it’s like it fades
no longer is it heard
some to feel confused
yet listen
listen closely,
it is felt steady within
one pervasive line
through and through
never broken
timeless in essence
that train.
magical and pure
—not nostalgic really,
it never went anywhere
not far
not near
just here
Three people met
southbound smile
At a wintery sidewalk juncture,
three people met…
each navigating their way…
somewhere in the middle,
it was sealed—
sweet,
swift,
effortless.
upon the sidewalk,
three people met…
a silent understanding unfolded.
unspoken words with guided steps—
how to be
how to yield space
how to care
—one gracefully circled,
another, gaze fixed downward, journeyed north…
the third, a whirlwind, hastened eastward...
one beamed with a southbound smile…
at the juncture,
—was it three?
one circled,
the air embracing the path...
one hastened,coat trailing along,
one smiled—a slow pace.
at the sidewalk juncture,
three people met.
one looked downward,
one hastened forward,
and one simply smiled.
near a meandering river threading through the city's heart,
we found comfort in the winter fog,
the sidewalk intersected at a corner…
one traversed in a half-circle,
another breezed through like the wind,
the third, eyes fixed below, a curious and unknown sense of hesitancy,
one person just smiled, that was me,
headed to get my cherished coffee.
Were we three or four?
Perhaps, it’s just one.
My heart is warm.
I caught myself
laying in a dark room
Laying in a dark room
I caught myself.
I held my own hand,
and I knew it was you—
You who keep me safe.
You who hold me close.
You were always here, holding me.
I caught myself.
and felt your love and tenderness.
You held my hand,
—you hold my hand.
I forgot for a moment,
that you are here with me,
as me.
I forgot for a moment,
and yet you are here.
right here, in fact, you hold my hand,
and there is no difference
—for it is you, it is me,
and I am held.
I feel that you care, you understand,
you give me the feeling of compassion.
I hold my hand in the dark, in another way, I interlace,
and I feel you here, and it is me.
and it is you,
and I am held. held by you.
I forgot for a moment,
I am never alone, not alone,
I am right here, I am right here, I am right here.
You are held, I am here.
Self-kept.
I forgot for a moment.
I hold my hand.
…the song “Sunshine on my shoulders” by John Denver came to mind in its full sweetness.
I’m mediating and praying for so many at this time, within my own circle and for those in most need collectively.
I found solace in the sun yesterday above the inversion that blanketed Missoula.
A friend and I had hiked up a mountain trail and turned to the sun to feel the warmth on our faces—basking.
I used it as a yoga class theme today too, the song “Sunshine on my shoulders” by John Denver came to mind in its full sweetness.
I played it in class.
I could see relaxed smiles all around me.
Sometimes, when there seems to be no light anywhere for anyone or any thing, it is still there for us to know, see and feel— shining through. —And so, this poem with a few photos today;
Sunlight warms.
Yellow hues tickle the soul,
The yellow sun's warmth resonates within
—soothing the mind and heart.
Golden warmth caresses your face.
Warmth of the sun pulls a smile
—gentle and content.
Sun's warmth encases the heart,
feel light
feel warm
feel okay.
Eyes softly close in the sun
basking
beaming
resting in ease.
Sun's warmth like seals on the sand.
—bellies up.
loose and wobbly
full and content,
completely at ease
—noses and whiskers reach for the breeze…
adorned in the sun's balm,
together they are.
—fins rest.
held in the pleasure of being,
living and receiving.
yellow sun's warmth,
feel—
sun's warmth,
you enrapture.
—pure glisten,
warm and yellow.
pure being,
pure pleasure.
—yellow sun's warmth, golden…
a smile as you.
Amidst the innate and known, there is a familiar felt sense and trace
Within the unknown, an unwavering truth sustains
In uncertainty's realms, feel the reciprocal echoes of one wisdom at play
Facing the unknown directly, serenity is its way
Amidst the unknown, acknowledge, and let be
In uncertainty, trust that you know according to perfect time and accord
In the face of the unknown, no need to grasp, feel the gentle vibe
For here, in this moment, all is well
in the face of the unknown, just know there is indeed a magnificent magic spell
raw truth
raw real
Two versions with this, let me know what you like or if both work, much love.
Version One:
raw truth
revealed by facing everything fully
raw openness
with nothing to hide or protect
raw vulnerability
no fear about that,
nothing in the way…
face all of it
without hesitation…
—raw and real
reveals vulnerability,
Open heart, open mind,
Clear discernment
—truth.
real
realness..
—face everything
feel the raw
feel the real
avoid nothing
no-thing to fear
no-where to go
raw truth
reveals truth
heart
treasure aligned
with whom?
with what?
it’s y-our truth
see the split? there is not one-
your body,
your mind,
—raw nature
raw real
—carries the weight
of what is true
and what is held
in y-our perfection.
Version Two: A little help with ai with my add ins and edits:
Naked truth,
unveiled through unflinching openness,
pure transparency,
raw vulnerability,
fearlessly embraced,
no barriers in the way...
face it all
without hesitation…
—raw and real—
exposing vulnerability,
heart wide open, mind clear,
discernment revealed
…a journey to truth.
true, genuine authenticity...
—embrace it all,
plunge into the raw,
immerse in the real,
reject nothing.
no-where to go,
no-thing to fear,
raw truth—
unveils the essence,
a heart's treasure trove,
—in alignment with what?
—with whom?
It's y-our truth—
notice any division? There isn't one—
raw truth
raw real
…your body,
…your mind,
—raw nature itself, for which you are a-part
undeniably
bears the weight, of what's authentic
and what's cradled
in y-our perfection.
timelessness
Take your time, breathe easy, all is well
in the midst of it all, find stillness and quiet—in
rush and hurry, demands repeat
settle gently, breathe easy, you have endless time, do you know?
shoulds and pressures, for what purpose are these?
ease into it, untangle from this time-bound connection
what is time but a construct in the mind? something taught, something learned
ease into it, breathe gently, eternity in each moment— how, you ask?
the body fades away, yet, you, my friend, forever to remain
deadlines and frameworks, past, present and future projections, self-imposed constraints, they will self-release, become undone
embrace this moment as it is, rest within, feel the warmth of the sun
look up, gaze at the vast sky so blue, know yourself, timeless, forever as you
your day is a gift, yours to hold
settle gently, breathe easily, each moment so precious,
choose this way or that, your path, your choice
in this very moment, what you are looking for is already given
soothe yourself, acknowledge your inner grace
settle gently—in being, find your place
feel, taste, see, listen, smell and know
feel, taste, see, listen, smell and know
your timeless essence
the timeless essence of everyone is the same One
amidst it all, feel the great love and energy within
settle gently, breathe easily, timelessly free
permanent warmth that never wavers
—you can see.
…It remains that way
In the natural flow, we reside,
where heart beams and love coincide,
like inhaling a cool ocean breeze…
or like the mist that touches your face when you walk so slow and have no where to go…
—like sipping coffee or tea, so serene,
the warmth it brings is a lasting scene,
it lingers, an eternal, gentle full cup,
perpetual optimism, just look up…
It remains that way, forever bright,
a constant source of unwavering light,
like faith in itself, burning so right,
this truth, in the heart, takes its own flight.
It is so, it is so—forever right here as your own.
A sacred love, continuously shown,
In the natural mode there’s a gift of glow…
This permanent warmth, fills the heart,
Just look inside,
—it is never apart.
How could I go missed?
I am right here—never apart,
…although you might think so…
—In the simplest way, find solace within, and then again, some more…
Breathe in, create, remain oh so curious and true…
…stay open and free—flex, pivot and change
…listen in and listen in and through,
it matters not what you do…
—and it does matter too…
—it matters not where you go and it might matter so,
it matters not what choice you make—
I am not apart from that which you do…or not do…
Ineffable beyond words, I am part of your heart of hearts.
Hold up!
Don't let the mind entwine—it is a tool to use,
Discern wisely with your actions,
—comprehend your vast body, let it be your guide…
Feel the energy in everything,
—listen to the soft and gentle sound of what you wonder that to be…
Slowly or quickly know that as you and me,
—plus everything else you’ve taken the other to be…
Sensitivity, it's not a plight…
Sensitivity, it's not a plight…
Sensitivity, it's not a plight,
Accusations darken the light,
Wronging others, causing harm,
Pushing away, with no charm.
Aggression's power, fueled by fear,
Afraid of being vulnerable, it is clear,
Fear of losing control, that is true,
Let's find a better way in the vast view.
Aggression, exit through the door,
Wisdom awaits, please explore,
Embrace the nature deep within,
All-knowing, loving, let's begin.
Let anger flow, swift and pure,
Beyond words, its strength assure,
Open your heart, let love prevail,
In the vastness, let compassion sail.
Arrogance, go deep inside,
Find the unity, in which we all reside,
In a seamless reality, we all share,
Open your heart, show your care.
Be humble, your true self reveal,
There's more to you than meets the eye,
Feel it, listen, let your true self fly.
Already given
The war within the mind,
…seeking, wanting, struggling, fixing, adjusting…
—desire, anger, hatred, ignorance, pride...
Joy, excitement, happiness, and everything in between…
—There is a truth in discovering peace, in feeling unstoppable compassion...
As harmony with nature itself…
Nature's wisdom is soothing, instinctive, and flowing...
Like a gentle creek on a warm autumn day, full of awe and wonder…sparkling.
—content within itself...
It responds to what is needed, caring for many, including itself...
Truth lies in embracing the inexplicable, in feeling the unwavering ease...
Rest deeply, enjoy your essence as it is...
Let your innate nature shine...
Overflow with the abundance that is already given.
listen closely
listen deeply
feel the quiet
feel your presence
take yourself into nature
walk alone
walk for a long time
have nothing to do and nowhere to go or get to
do that often
be with you
breathe
listen inside your ear
listen softly
You are here.
Divine…
sweetness…
pure…
bliss…
ecstasy all-encompassing.
dynamic
—engaging, interactive…
perfect knower.
breathe.
natural pause
here.
self kept.
there is nothing to do
nowhere to go.
Present.
not to miss the gift.
feel.
right here.
a felt sense.
relax.
enjoy
reverence to.
You.
purity
All good.
Keep meditating.
In the realm of the unknown, you are embraced,
Trust unfaltering, without haste
Wide open as the endless sky's expanse,
Seek guidance—innate by design,
Surrendering any self-concern,
A grander dance unfolds,
More is at play here,
—like the warm grace of the sunlit moon.
Deeply seeded
fully held
intricately woven
saturating all,
seamless breath,
feminine at core,
reminding, beckoning each one into her source of completeness—like an unconditional mother’s embrace.
Singular in nature,
orchestrated grace,
guidance and direction…
—listen.
A gentle gaze —yet a swift and authoritative heart…
Her strength knows no bounds,
her embodiment of love and compassion prevails.
Rest within, —regardless,
—rest within what is understood as a singular companionship that offers dynamic intimate warmth
in all, held inseparably…
In the gentle realm of joy's purity,
truth's essence blooms, meaning so much to me.
In simplicity, the path where we're bound,
love's completeness, this we have found.
Simplicity—a gift from one’s own embrace,
a voyage of bliss as its tender grace.
No requirements laid, no demands to chase,
within its arms, wellness is its place.
In tranquil repose, no tasks to pursue,
a journey within, to the self that is true,
Grant yourself time, as this sacred space,
An undistracted safe haven—your own special place.
Within acknowledgment, there is this guide,
releasing the frameworks hindering all drive.
No blame to befall, for faults, they erase,
In the warm heart's embrace, love finds its own base.
Every moment…wisdom to glean,
In the depths of your being—it waits unseen.
Rest in the pleasure of this soulful embrace,
an adornment and shine, in simplicity's trace.