With an inhale, the most vital of elements enters,
most often without even a thought…
we breathe,
tiny molecules of oxygen fill our lungs to assure our ability to repeat this cycle.
Deep in the lungs, the pressure higher than the next stop, the oxygen moves across a border in exchange for another…
for one molecule of oxygen in,
one molecule of carbon dioxide leaves…
it’s a train station if you will , called the RBC express.
This tiny vessel transports the precious cargo to the next transfer station…
higher in pressure than the next destination
with the ultimate arrival, the powerhouse of the cell….
it is here that life is sustained.
This continuum persists only with exchange,
From breath, to lung, to red blood cell, to mitochondria and back again, there’s an elegant system of reciprocity sustaining us from breath to breath…
Yet, maybe there’s a greater exchange that precedes the human breath;
the source of our inhale.
Standing before the trees,
seeking wisdom from the magnificent beings that demonstrate a true acceptance of peace in place,
rooted to the place they will spend all their days…
I gaze…
a breath in, followed by a shallow exhale…
I ponder…
a breath in, followed by an exhale…
I feel…
the inhale lengthens, the exhale slows…
I connect…
the exhale is for the trees…
the inhale is from the trees.
Connecting with the trees in breath… finding peace in place.
Peace tip #3
Step outside today, if able go on a walk, not a walk with a step goal but with the goal of finding a tree. If you can’t get outside, perhaps do this from inside with your focus on a tree. Any tree that speaks to you, stop and gaze at the tree. Determine if this is the right tree. Say hello.
pause:
inhale, from what the tree has provided;
with the inhale say or think “thank you for your gift”
exhale, to give back to the tree;
with the exhale say or think “and in return, I give to you.”
repeat this exchange as many times as you like,
begin to visualize the connection, the circle of breath between you and the tree.
notice your breath begins to slow down
ponder the relationship between you and the tree...
ponder this place.
in peace.
Thank the tree and say good-bye until next time.
Some updates:
I loved reading everyone’s posts from Day 2 “peace opener.” Keep in mind that any way in which you choose to open your day with a focus on peace is perfect! It need not be complicated… it can be as simple as “hello day, I welcome peace.” No matter your morning ritual, remember to name “peace” as part of your process.
As a reminder, I’ll be providing an extra special give-away at the end of the 21 days. If you submit a meaningful comment (or email it to me), you’ll be eligible to have your name in a drawing. I’m doing this because it truly helps us build community, a vital component of peace. Also, your ideas and suggestions may be just what sparks and idea for someone else. Plus this encourages you to stay engaged on a daily basis, an additional aspect of peacebuilding.
It’s never too late to participate in the knit-along. Knowing that 100’s of others are knitting the same project as you around the world in the name of peace is a powerful thing. The pattern is available on Ravelry and The Healthy Knitter website.
Looking forward to reading everyone’s experience focusing on breath and the tree.