Karinaland River

  We Are Here – I Am Here Here – Here – Here with Burning Love Devotedly HERE We affirm our existence by living consciously, not automatically. At best, we re-dedicate ourselves every day to Aliveness, Humanity, Earth. To Dignity, Beauty, Humility. Just as shells, seaweed, sand, water, and stones do. The above is a mantra for difficult and tumultuous times. I have practiced it with my students for years. We speak the words out aloud. Firmly – with intention. We commit to protecting life. Let your voice vibrate with lived truth. We need it. In these times, it is important to consciously counter the swirl of Armageddon ideas and vibes. Let your every step resonate with breath, from the core of your being, from earth. Walk with gravity, dignity, gravitas.  Every step devoted, simply alive. Your words emanating from heart and belly. I am here. I am present. This form of arriving comforts others. Do you feel your soles as your feet meet the ground? Each convincing step says HERE – ...

Even If We Are Afraid At age nine, we know what we want. We roam in the fields, climb trees, steal a few cherries, or apricots when ripe. We love the sky. We draw houses, trees. We know that we want to be ourselves when grown, or an architect, a  dancer s or singer. We outrun the boys. We know what it is to be free. We bold – protect the weak, adore those ignored, othered, invisible… we grow winged…. Then comes life with all its struggles, storms, temptations, learning, waves, guides, wonders, good-byes, celebrations, loneliness, transformations. When old, suddenly we know we’ve lived a very full – truly wonder-full – life. Surprise. We belong to ourselves again. Awe. Together with the young girl,  still agile  we dance on tree limbs, swing high into the canopy… stretch our limbs…. Many-armed we bend the bow, sow the seeds, teach, prune, write, cook, pray, embrace. We know that our scars and wrinkles attract hummingbirds, butterflies, owls, hawks, moths. With every word a...