I ponder on Bill Gillard's editorial about what it means to live a spirit filled life. I reflect on Tony and Charmaine's class on being Openhearted. How do we awaken and respond to the heart beat of God pulsing through us and all of creation?

As you breathe in these beautiful words of Chelan Harkin may you be intentional and sense in each breath, a prayer and revive your 'mighty loving force' to restoration.

YOU TOO CAN AWAKEN LIKE THAT

Breathe the same breath

the trees in the rainforest breathe

that so brings their vibrancy

to life-

you too can awaken

like that.

Cry the same full-skied tears

the clouds cry

that refresh the world

and nurture

the roots of all things

that will one day blossom.

Connect with the electric vitality

of lightning,

catalzse the exhilaration

of your fire

and strike forth

with your mightly

loving force.

Drink in the same sweet light

the cup of each flower

uses as an ablution

to wash her beautiful

open face.

and restore yourself

with reverene

for the answered prayer

of each breath.

Let Us Dance - The Stumble and Whirl with the Beloved

Poetry by Chelan Harkin

Used by permission