Slippery Mat. {poetry}
It was another spell of fresh magic. Another clean long hit. These heavy doses of slamming samadhi. Punching reality.
I get on my magical mystery mat. This gift from the here and now’s, the galactics, the exes, the karmas. A great gift from my ancestors.
This is a gift that I am very thankful for and do not take for granted. I know how valuable it is and want to honor it. I honor the gift. I honor the gift by getting on it. By using it. Not abusing it, but still working hard and deep with it. And then sharing the wisdom, the downloads, insight and knowledge I gain from being on it. I honor this opportunity to make things good inside again. And then outside too.
I have to work for it. I have to make time and get on it. I earn it. I go through things on it. I have to endure it. The lust and the fears, the soreness, the tears, the falls, the depth. Practicing in a community with others. It is simple, but not easy. Lifting, bending over, spreading, resting, reaching, breathing in and out deep. It feels good after a while. Om. The ah-factor. Yoga.
I work through the physical challenges, the stability and the mental focus to do it. Doing it sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, it is, but it is a commitment, not a one-night stand. Not a once-a-week thing either. Not a side girl. It’s an all-the-time deal. I have to do it. Keep the light lit, keep the fire burning. Keep it moving. Keep it going for others. Let them light their light. Get out of their way. Listen carefully. Breathe deep.
I have to keep watching my thoughts. I have to keep letting it go. And keep going back. Keep coming back. Come back through the stiffness, the soreness, the nausea, the head trips, the love affairs, the sweat and the tears. Just come back.
***
Slippery mats
I slip off my mat
and into the confines of minds
breathe deep
into the heart
out, to connect the wheels
spin ’em around
fall into love
during, before, after class
but back on that mat girl no matter what!
make it fun there
and here and now
when off the mat
do not panic!
See, you are right
it’s tough out there in these jungles of corporate concrete
hard on a girl’s soul
so stay strong now!
Breathe deep and practice gratitude
for this temporary body
soon, we’re gone anyway
so let’s be high and happy and loving anyway
when I slip on my mat
just try, try again
soon, I’ll have it
it is coming
with the deep breaths
and focused thought
silent mantra singing light proud intentions
taking it out to the world that needs it
the healthy practice of being strong, flexible, unified
falling forward
trusting the mat will be there for me when I land
leap and the net appears
jump and the mat catches
filters, recycles, composts
flowers, beautiful new growth.
***
Ava Bird is a pranic artist practicing presence and poetry from the places of heart and soul and beyond. She is also an author, a mixologist, a mythbreaker, a sharer, a comedian, and a chef of many proportions. Her works are printed in historical anthologies, academic journals, spiritual publications, online, recorded for radio and with music, and exhibited in galleries. She has organized and produced various kinds of events including the great art movement 100 Thousand Poets for Change, a universal gathering of worldwide poets and artists promoting equality, peace, justice, sustainability for the planet and its beings, global love, and positive changes for all, and more. May all beings be happy and free! You could contact Ava via Facebook.
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