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Today I celebrate the air we breathe. It was a hot day, but I'm training for a 1/2 marathon so can't put off running. I went to the Y and ran four miles before they closed and then I went outside to run the final four. It was in the upper 80s so I went to a local trail where there was shade and an occasional view of the lake between trees. Just looking at the water made me feel cooler and there was a gentle breeze. I appreciated the playful breeze along the path. The leaves clapped and I breathed deeply while the air brought a little relief from the heat.
I'm reading one of Joy Harjo's books, Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings: Poems. In one of her poems, For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet, she writes of the friendly winds:
"Open the door, then close it behind you.
Take a breath offered by friendly winds. They travel the earth gathering essences of plants to clean.
Give it back with gratitude."
I couldn't help but make the connection to my time running and breathing the wonderfully fresh air. I love that image she created of taking the breath offered and then giving it back with gratitude. I am so thankful for the air I breathe and my body's ability to continue breathing.
