So much this month: chaos, emotions, gifts, grief, protests, bombs, endings and beginnings, and yes, even beauty. Struggling to write about it all in coherent sentences. What unfolded was this poem, little glimmers of beauty.
Beauty is life when…
budding friendships open
between strangers
sharing the loss of a loved one
an Intimate ceremony spreads
Beloved’s ashes around the sacred
tree in red-rock canyon
at dusk a bat circles– old life gone
new life begun. The orange moon hangs
above the parking lot after dinner
unconditional love shines
in the eyes of a grieving dog
searching for her forever person
inheriting healing crystals
to steward, to give away,
to learn from, to heal
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- Tree w M’s Ashes
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- Priya
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- Crystal Integration
Beauty is life when…
old hippies protest
violence against our own
waving flags, playing drums, no kings here
sleeping ‘til ten on my birth day
carrot cake for breakfast and dinner
💖 emojis for each text received
the long, deep, well-deserved
annual massage, releases
gordian knots in my shoulders
nervously adding gold highlights
to my silvering hair
I shampoo to encourage fading
hosting death cafés means
the topic is always at hand,
how then, to live impeccably
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- No Kings Protest
-
- No Kings Protest
Beauty is life when…
comforter still on the bed,
we venture a hike in the cold
windy bay-area June gloom
cats bask in morning sun
careful not to touch each other
oblivious to the outside world
becoming obsessed
photographing crystals,
I inventory my entire apartment
news of bombs dropping
stunned silence overwhelms
wondering what comes after
remembering to breathe,
the moment of fear dissipates
I am not alone
-
- Cats in Morning Sun
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- Yellow WaterLilies
Beauty is life when…
tender holding in a women’s
circle, connection heals
common wounds, broken hearts
conversations center around
how to create our new world
from the ashes of madmen failing
in the background while I write,
a neighbor practices trumpet
patriotic marching tunes
we look beyond the news
listen beneath the words
feel with open hearts
we offer compassion in these
dark days, and flowers still bloom,
and life unveils her holy face
Blondie
Life is beautiful, still…
No AI was used to write this post. All photography is original. Thank you to everyone reading my musings. I’d love to know if any of this resonates and also how you’re holding up in these upside-down times. If you, or anyone you know, are in need of spiritual guidance or healing, ceremony or creative inspiration, please reach out. Also my next “Coming Closer to the Divine Mother Through the Elements” retreat at Upasana Hilltop Sanctuary is September 4-7. If interested, email me for info.
Walk in Beauty. Be in gratitude. Live with grace.
Peace, love and blessings,
Rev. Lisa
Spiritual Guide, Healer
End-of-Life Doula, Interfaith Chaplain
Contemplative Photographer
Free Photos at Pexels
Spirit-Infused Healing Photography Books at Blurb
“Photography is my love language. Teaching people to see Beauty-as-Medicine is my Ministry.” Rev. Lisa
Such a beautiful poem. Thank you always for reminding me to find the beauty inside all of the muck. Xo