Sunday, July 24, 2016

Celebrate!



Ruth Ayres has a link-up on weekends where people link to posts that are celebrations about their week. I love this reminder to celebrate every week.



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.

4 comments:

  1. These are beautiful words, Crystal. I always feel better after a walk, no matter the heat, where most of my pics in my post today came from. Thanks for Harjo's idea of that taking a breath, then giving it back, & for the lovely photo.

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  2. Crystal, I am a firm believer in breathing in the air to see the world in a different life. I must admit that your feat of running in high temperatures is amazing. Best of luck in your future race.

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  3. Love the picture and the words from Harjo's poem. Your words about breathing remind me of the meditation class I attended this week, my first, but it won't be my last.

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  4. Beautiful post about appreciating something that we often overlook. It has been so hot this week! I am quite impressed with your perseverance to run even in the heat.

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