The Flooding and the Freeing

The Flooding and the Freeing

Fortifying liquid flows
around, through, and in.
A flood,
but with a power that is
gentle and comfortable and right.
Surface sparkles submerge,
travel to far reaches,
ignite ever more fully that which
has long been kindled.
Detritus that had collected
along the shores
and in varied nooks
wobbles in the waves,
then cleanly clears away.
Pure, wholesome waters glide
as a soft breeze delivers
clarity, truth, newness.
A twitch, a breath,
a release, a remembering,
a blending together within.
Body fills with tender recognition
of pristine, cohesive pieces of self.
Misty, mindful eyes marvel at
a pulsating mosaic of colors
as those pieces re-combine and align.

Soul expands without encumbrance
from solid ground
to lofty stars
and back again.
Circuit completes with
a fresh, relaxing, full breath

 as the flood softly
gives way
to freedom.

Sarah Carlson

March 25, 2020

Togetherness

To all the teachers and students and the many others in the world of education who are experiencing such monumental change right now...

Togetherness

The rhythm of our seasons,
the dance of sun and Earth,
the interplay of dark and light.

We started school as summer was ending
and the Autumnal Equinox approached.
We got to know each other,
found our rhythms in our classrooms -
together.
Leaves changed and so did we.
The light of day dwindled

as winter and the holidays came upon us.
 Winder Solstice was another transition,
a time to notice and celebrate the dark of night,
the promise of growing light.
Our cadence became stronger as community grew
and our minds and hearts did, too.
Slowly, day by day, light has expanded
as snow melts, trees awaken,
birds chirp their springtime songs.
The Vernal Equinox is here
as we welcome it
apart from each other.
Days will continue to lengthen, 

trees will bud,
flowers begin to find their way
into the warm sunshine.

In this time of uncertainty
and lack of physical contact,
let us all remember that
we are connected.
May we look to the sky, the earth,
and to each other.
May we savor moments
with family and friends
in any way that we can.
May we be happy,
may we be safe,
may we feel love
all around and through us.
May we allow our emotions
and take comfort
in predictable patterns
like the changing seasons.
May we be open to experiencing
togetherness
in new and creative ways
as we work our way through

 these tricky and turbulent times.

Sarah Carlson

March 20, 2020

The Peace of the Pines

I share this one with a gentle reminder that some of us, for varied reasons, are going to be socially distancing largely alone. Let's all remember to check in with one another. Let's stay connected, maybe even strengthen connection, as we weather the wild and unpredictable winds that are blowing right now.

May you find the peace of the pines in your own lives during these trying times.

The Peace of the Pines

Setting out into the woods
she slides one foot in front of the other,
finds a tentative rhythm
on the changing surface.
She decides to climb
to the top of the ridge,
 skis a few loops
as anxious tensions release,
replaced by the pleasure of
physical exertion and
self-locomotion.
Reluctant to head back down,
once more she makes her way to the top,
 recognizes a gentle knowing
that’s drawing her there.
Pausing in the familiar stand of pines,
she allows her breath and heart to settle.
She watches and listens
as sun-kissed trees sway
in diverse winds
against the backdrop
of a brilliant blue sky.
In the sights and sounds of winter woods,
understanding slowly comes
as the heaviness of collective sadness
lightens a bit.
She takes a deep breath,
smiles and remembers
 that, as always, Nature knows.
Though each tree stands separate and singular,
their roots hold the ground together.
Isolation and connection
right there in front of her eyes.
Filled with the wisdom of the woods,
 the peace of the pines,
she gratefully, gallantly
 turns toward home.

Sarah Carlson

March 15, 2020

To Our Children:

To Our Children:

We love you.
The questions you have right now
 make sense.
It’s okay to wonder and ask.
As teachers, family, friends
we are answering as best we can.
We understand
 that you want those answers
to be clear and true.
Sometimes we adults
just have to calmly say,
“I’m not sure,
but here’s what we know.”
And even that changes
from day to day.

Remember that there
are things we do know for sure.
The solid earth is still spinning
so that the sun rises
to greet each new day.
Our majestic moon moves
through its predictable
and lovely phases.
Beautiful cloud formations
come and go
as varied winds blow.
So, whenever you feel unsure,
raise your gaze to the sky,
take a breath,
notice the beauty
of the natural world.
Look into the eyes
of someone you love
and just be
in that moment.
Open a book and
let its story unfold.
Grab a pencil
 and let yours do the same.
And, don’t forget.
We adults who are your teachers,
family, and friends –
WE LOVE YOU.

Sarah Carlson

March 14, 2020

Tender Light Softens

Tender Light Softens

 

Frozen layers underfoot

gleam in softened beams

that reach from 

fading sun to 

woodsy trails.

Skiers slow to a stop,

breathe,

 take it all in.

Tranquil tree shadows

stretch in the gentle glow

as dark and light mingle.

In times of sorrow and unease

remember to notice,

honor, welcome

glimmers of brightness

wherever, whenever

they appear.

The act of slowing

allows the opportunity

to treasure the truth

 as tender light 

spreads to the places that need

the warmth of its benevolence

the most.

Inner tensions again unwind

as muscles relax,

cells open,

blood flows.

Though sorrow and unease

are discernible,

tender light softens,

illuminates hope and healing 

as they sink, soothe,

and circulate.

Sarah Carlson

March 4, 2020