“I Take My Waking Slow.”

I found a beautiful branch on my morning walk – crushed between a fallen tree, and a pile of muddied debris. It had been stripped from the heights of our tallest Elm, no match for the latest winds.

At any other pace, it surely would have been missed.

But, slowly through these winding trails – I take my time to see.

To some, it might appear a dreadful fungus – overtaking the limbs of a once very strong tree. While others, may barely notice with their noses pressed to mobile screen.

But, I can see the colors, that this earth has so graciously shared with me.

[blockquote source=”Thích Nhất Hạnh”]“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” [/blockquote]

My dears, with a simple slowed pace comes the opportunity for discovery.

So, may we always take our waking slow.

 

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me, so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.”

Theodore Roethke, The Collected Poems

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

You may also like