Barefoot and Covered in Dust

Tapped on the arm,
punched in the throat,
flicked in the ear.
My words feel empty
I show up late
barefoot and covered in dust
my breath smells
my pores are clogged

to tell stories is to bear the burden of meaning-making
it is to be brave
and ask questions, sure,
more so, though, 
it is to listen

This time,
I am most grateful for air
the breath
my breath
that binds body to mind
so that I can know with my brain and also my toes
picked up and fanned out
the palms of my hands
warm and emitting light
the center of my chest
swells like the sea

You balance with such ease
you accept and never waver
you are wrinkled and youthful
both without apology
in tune no matter the key
a perfect mess
As I show up late
without shoes and covered in dust
worried that my breath stinks
that my jokes aren't funny
that my hair is frizzed
that I won't be taken seriously

my girl,
breathe
and breathe
and breathe

it's the water of my skin
the fire behind my breastbone
the wind of my lungs
the foundation of my bones

the same as the elephants
who move to graze and drink
who take their time
who happen upon play

this is the stuff of stories
where I go when words don't come

xx

Messages from the Mother

My favorite definition of integrity has something to do with matching my insides with my outsides. To live a life integrated with the Earth is to act in accordance with her rhythms and wishes, with the knowledge that what I witness in the world is not at all separate from my Self. 

Life Sibuyi just today told me, as he pointed to the vultures wheeling, “if you listen to nature, you’ll know the answers.” 

Listen take your time don’t overthink it nothing is irreparable see what happens humans matter diversity matters teamwork matters accept what you can’t change enjoy breathe leave places better than you found them

these are Her messages

The loudest lately:

Give as much as you can afford to give

Expect nothing in return and if anything is offered

Take only what you’ll use

When I put space between me and America, it’s a conundrum how matters of the Earth and its health are issues of politics. That it is a concern exclusively for the privileged who can look up from their bills long enough to see the world on fire and think, “am I in some way responsible? How can I help?” is not something of which I’m entirely convinced. 

If you chose to vote without conservation, sustainability, regeneration, climate change in mind, don’t worry! Just like today is no longer Earth Day and I’m still here YAPPING, it’s never too late to integrate with the outside

Until You Know Better

Sort your pip out

Back yourself

Let go of the words