Retirement!!!

My mother retired just moments ago, officially at 3:30pm East Coast time.This poem honors her and the light she shines on so many people, most recently, young ones who receive the beautiful works of her hands--the fruits of which she plans to multiply, now that she's retired! A Friday poetry tribute to beautiful Momma:

Stained Glass
©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

“How do you like my new dress line?”
my mom texts
with a picture of tiny dresses sewn
for children in Mexico, Africa and India.
Bright splashes of material
remind me of something I cannot place.

At mid-day I do something I haven’t done in years—
walk into a local church for a peace break.
Windows of cobalt blue, royal purple,
sunshine yellow and evergreen reflect and mingle,
stream across oaken pews.

I enter glory’s center,
bow my head
and bring to mind 
a mother’s gifts.

Foretaste of Summer Retreat

Beautiful summer day, June 13. I'm lounging in the garden, listening to the waterfall, watching birds and soaking in the gloriousness of the moment. Muse struck, perhaps carried on the gentle breeze, emitted from the Bleeding Heart delicately growing alongside the foot bridge, or maybe she reflected off the water when sweet Chickadees jumped in for a bath. Here's what she whispered....

Shine

Golden Buddha in subduing Mara mudra

©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

Enlightenment--

one’s ability to bless,
seems a hope far in the future,
so we search and strive….

What if we, create awakened moments,
became Lotus,
push toward light, grow up and out,
not in spite of mud,
but because mud is our substance?

Earth as our witness,
when binding ropes break away
what is revealed beneath the cracked layers
is Golden Buddha,
shining.

Next Saturday, June 20, we will practice "Shining" in community from 8:00-11:00am during our Summer Mindfulness Retreat, a rare opportunity to come together for the sole purpose of nourishing ourselves and our loved ones. Most looking forward to sitting with you, walking with you and soaking up beauty.  

June 20 Summer Mindfulness Retreat -- Shine!