JUSTICE

Take a moment to remember the original inhabitants of the land we’re currently on … opening our hearts to the elders and tradition-keepers, mothers and fathers, children and babies … many who are still living in our communities and whose land was never ceded…and as you recall the original inhabitants in your own inward way … i invite you to ask their permission to be a guest on the land where you are…and to express any gratitude that might be in your heart  …
Earth Meditation, Katy Dion

Marilyn Vogel

Holly Thomas

Breath June 2020                                      
 
There is a Zen story about a young monk who complains that it is boring to watch the breath.
The teacher pushes his face into a basin of water,
holds him under. “Is it more interesting now?” the teacher asks the gasping student.
 
Breath is dangerous.
  The pandemic spreads in the breath of strangers
  without masks, not keeping their distance,
  running, panting.
  Oxygen mask, ventilator, no use.
 
Breath is a battle-cry.
  I can’t breathe! my face on the grimy pavement,
  the policeman’s knee on my neck,
  my life worth $20.
  How do I say goodbye to my brother, my children?
  Will they ever be safe in their skin?
 
Breath is necessity.
  The Amazon basin, the lungs of the world,
  on fire, to satisfy the burning greed
  of the rich and   powerful.
  I gasp, turn off the news, avoid the media.
  I already know what’s going on, headed for ruin.
 
Breath is my practice.
  My mind makes lists and plans,
  flits from one worry to another,
  yet my breath is here when I return.
 
At low tide, I walk as far as I can,
as far as my breath will take me.     

Jan Rudestam

Marilyn Vogel

Jan Rudestam

Charlie Turner

Kirsten Rudestam

Marilyn Vogel