When my “old brain” boxes me in and sets a trap,

triggered by old

habits, reacts

with anger, fear,

strengthened by existing views of the world, seeking

safety, drawing

on memory,

resisting change,

my “new brain” waits patiently until I find the

energy, will

to create space,

start the practice.

With thanks to Kay and Phil Davidson, mindfulness teachers

When at last you think you have accepted what is,

as soon as you

bask in the glow

of evolvement,

something triggers a reaction you thought was gone,

and old hurts and

resentments come

spewing in such

profusion that you start drowning in them until

you remember

to stop and breathe

and let it go.

Sun-drenched country roads bring flashbacks

of my childhood,

the Sunday drives,

ups, downs, and curves,

shrieks of laughter from the back seat

as Dad sped up

for “stomach” bumps,

taking our breath.

No seat belts then to keep us from

slipping, sliding

across the seat

with childhood joy.

Sandpipers prance at water’s  edge, seagulls waiting

for crumbs to drop,

babies in sun hats,

waves in, waves out.

Boys on surfboards ride curling foam, slicing water,

wind whips umbrellas

inside out,

waves in, waves out.

Rum drinks sipped at end of day, chairs pulled up to water,

sandy feet and

relaxed bodies,

waves in, waves out.