Endless curiosity, boundless energy,

all packed into

eight pounds of white

and chocolate brown.

The warmth of a small head against my neck, floppy

ears, hazel eyes,

yoga expert

in downward dog.

An unexpected magnitude of joy and warmth

surprises me,

reminds me to

love completely.

The more attention it gets, the more it offers,

will start to lead

to a new place,

and transform you.

Embrace the mystery, darkness, and suffering,

follow the threads,

slender though they be,

hold the tension

of opposites, while you continue to chop wood,

carry water,

merge opposites,

become the Self.

With thanks to Everett McLaren, Jungian Analyst, for his presentation on Alchemy and the Hero’s Journey October 9, 2014 at The Chrysalis Institute.

As soon as you lose all hope for changing others,

improving them,

informing them,

on what you think they should know,

you realize that it’s only you who can change,

who can open the gate,

for a new perspective

on what you thought you knew.

When you open yourself to what you fear, you can

open yourself

to what others

fear and change happens.

With  gratitude to my Wednesday morning tribe of women.