I wrote this poem and took this picture while attending a mindfulness retreat several years ago. The picture was taken in the early fall on a beautiful day as the sun warmed, the breeze cooled, and colours changed. When I sit in meditation or practice yoga, mindfulness reminds me I am one part of a much larger scheme. There is a lot acting on me that goes unnoticed and taken-for-granted. It is in mindfulness I remember to be humble and grateful for the small part I do play in the world.
Sitting, walking–
Speaking, listening–
In the greater scheme,
One part amongst many,
What does it mean?
Sunlight warming faces,
Breezes cooling skin,
Morning freshness awakening;
Afternoon warming;
Evening comforting.
In Nature’s midst,
Pulling close,
Embracing all forms,
Sinking deep roots,
Colouring with vibrancy.
Beginning afresh;
Living the world anew,
New eyes seeing it;
Skin touching it for the first time,
Finding one’s seat at the table.