I received the gift of retreating with Sara Avant Stover to assist her SHE Retreat at Kripalu last week. It was such a blessing to practice with other devoted women in silence, surrounded by the beauty and support of Kripalu!
Many things come up on retreat, especially when you’re in silence. One of the ways we practiced was to write short haiku-like verses to express what was moving in our being. I am sharing some of mine that capture my process on retreat a bit. I’ve grouped them approximately by theme, but the process was not this linear. It rarely is—which is the beauty and scary part of going into the unknown. Note: “Kimmy” is my inner little girl.
Stillness calls clearly.
Leg resists, hearing occludes.
At rest and suffering.
Bells call me to prayer.
I hear only clashing metal.
Let me sleep.
Small power calls me.
Darkened sky threatens rain.
Light awakes within.
Boat adrift at sea
Tree rooted, bending in the storm.
Anchor me. Root me.
Many moments of One.
Christmas trees call me back to small self.
Green hills and blue sky smile.
Stillness beckons my soul.
Body is willing but sticky.
Mind grabs and craves.
Laughter bubbles up,
Taking over my face with abandon.
Kimmy’s in the whirlpool.
Can pain and sorrow soften?
The soul becomes more malleable.
True Nature shining through.
Take me, Mother, now.
Lift these veils of untruth.
Receive me in Your arms.
Removing my armor.
Can You find your way inside?
I yearn to be Yours.
Immensity calls.
Mind anticipates the direction.
SHE waits in Love.
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