anxiety

Be like the bird that, passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight,

feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings.

                                           - Victor Hugo –

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there is that morning

when we wake

already startled and vigilant

our heart pounding

our mind racing

we think of that task undone

of that mistake

remembered in the dark

we think of a behavior regretted

of debt

dangers lurking in our path

and in panic

our whole system is afire

as we scramble to our computer

rush to our office

seeking to confirm to worst,

or perhaps,

start damage control.

Sometimes we just need to stop

so much more can be accomplished if,

in our moment of anxiety or panic,

we slow down,

breathe deep,

step away from our brain

and connect with that which is greater than ourselves

with the ground beneath our feet

with the rhythm of our breath,

the beat of our heart,

with the Sacred Presence that lives

deep down, at the center of who we are

and realize that we have it within us