Poem: At the Appointed Time

By Julie Ryan 

photo by Dzung Vo

When I cannot be with you

my feet begin to search

for a wide, quiet space

to silently circle

just as yours

are doing now,

for the gentle rhythm of

left foot,

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By Julie Ryan 

photo by Dzung Vo

When I cannot be with you

my feet begin to search

for a wide, quiet space

to silently circle

just as yours

are doing now,

for the gentle rhythm of

left foot, right foot

in breath, out breath

treading our way

into silence.

At the appointed time

when I cannot be with you

this body finds a cushion

to rest on, knees

touching earth,

hands cupping peace

breathing the air

of our one sky.

In the space of no-thoughts

the well of Being

sends up its purest, refreshing

springs, and you,

and you, and you

and I

can drink.

We feel ourselves lifted,

an unnamable buoyancy.

The tug of some fine, thin

thread connects us

each silent prayer

a golden web fine

as spider silk, invisible

as air. On it we can throw

the entire

weight

of our lives.

It is here I rest

wherever I am

when I cannot be with you

and it is the appointed time.

Julie Ryan practices with the Awakening Heart Sangha in Dallas, Texas.

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What is Mindfulness

Thich Nhat Hanh January 15, 2020

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