Still Awareness

morning stillness breathes life into my day

In my inherited culture

It’s thought to be virtuous

To rise early

To hurl oneself into the tasks of the day

Laundry flapping before light breaks

Pea picking begun at the crack of dawn

My mom will call me and wonder

“Have I picked my strawberries yet?”

She’s not judging me

She just has no space for any other way

But I am still sitting

Being quiet

Soaking the morning sounds into my cells

I am a morning person

I love accomplishing tasks and getting the day moving

But first order for me has become

Stillness

Awareness

Listening to my heart

And pouring out on paper what is going on there

Hanging out laundry is all good

But I’m going to do it slowly

Breathing is on my to-do list

Noticing my breath

Being is a prerequisite of a peaceful life

Allowing the pressures that builds and robs

To float away with each exhale

In harmony with who I am

Living into my Father’s name for me