Your Presence

The ice of Barker Brook under the light of the full moon (and a headlamp)

Last evening I hosted a gathering of wonderful friends for a moon walk along the Sandy River.  Though it was cloudy at first, we enjoyed a beautiful, muted moon as it rose to the clearer sky up above. As we headed home I felt a strong pull to visit Barker Brook - a spot that has long been a family favorite.  The ice formations there were beautiful with layers of frozen bubbles, views of the bed of the brook, and wispy cracks. I took a few pictures and then we decided to head home to the warm house and good food that was waiting for us. And then I noticed the very distinct heart shape in the ice - shown above. In addition to being clear to the eye, it was raised above the surface - quite stunning.
As I looked at the picture this morning here is what came:

Your Presence

You show your presence in such
sweet subtleness.
Whether I’m unsure and questioning,
open and aware,
aching and weary,
or calmly experiencing me
in the newness of my life -
you are there.
Thank you, my love,
for helping me move ahead
with your gentle, consistent support.
In your absence I can still find
your presence,
and for that I am grateful.

Sarah Carlson

January 24, 2016

My Divine Fathoms

Barker Brook just before it enters the Sandy River

This piece is one that, after I wrote it, produced a deep release. It was a powerful experience, though I'm not sure if the words adequately express just why that happened. And as I write that I realize that it doesn't really matter. It happened and it was good and so here it is:

My Divine Fathoms

Diving down to investigate the varied currents
of one’s being reveals Truths that can
take time to bring fully into focus.
Both exhilarating and exhausting,
slowly and steadily it inspires
distinct shifts within.
I had to let my frozen edges thaw
before I could take the plunge.
At first I was cautious and explored
the shallows where branches and tendrils
were fairly simple to discern.
I could come to the surface with relative ease
and I learned the importance of taking
deep, restorative breaths.
Armed with a clearer understanding of
my inherent strength and courage,
I continue to intrepidly return to
my watery depths in search of further clarity.
Recently I became discouraged as
I kept thinking I had let go of
patterns and impressions
that are not authentically mine
and sporadically I experience more pain and distress.
I realize now that I sometimes forget one
very important thing.
As I peruse my divine fathoms,
I have to  consistently remember
to fully embrace the wonders that are revealed,
 to keenly trust in my knowing,
 and to allow the Truth to be incorporated
into me without reservation or fear.
I am safe and I deserve to feel good. 

Sarah Carlson

January 18, 2016