Shadow Glory

Storm + Sun Kisses in Paradise Valley, MT

What if I did not know that dark and rough edges and cope and mess
make people leave, reject, wish to adjust me.
What if it’s just as true
or truer
that complex and imperfect invite people to Truly stay
that to BE(come) with authenticity is a safety-expanding
pleasure
that shadow makes visible the light
textural differences wake the senses
cope is an ode to continuing to Live
mess the making of a new way
to play
outside of the strictures of
be only tight, smooth curves
“healthy”
producer
performer
of cheerful status quo
(for whom?)

If I did not absolutely, always know

I could Know
grow
curiosity
integrity
humor
tender expanses of trust
creative One and We-nesses
in infinite freedom hold of Belovedness;
the delicious joy-ache of Wholly Here Love.

Reflection Invitations

(Or just stop at the poem's end. It is often more than enough to just feel.)

• What pathways of being open up if you can let more than one thing be true about how you show up and how you might be met in the world? For example, yes, some people will reject me and also, some people will find the edge, difference, and mess of me to be an invitation to their own authenticity, and even synergetic or delicious.

• Where and with whom do you feel most you? What bodily sensations tell you it’s ok to show quirk or say ouch with these humans?

• Are there ways to bring more of your edge and spark along even when you know you won’t be fully celebrated? For example, wearing a pair of silly socks under my fancy pants reminds me that I am still all here even if not fully seen by another. And if I have the capacity to take a chance, I’ll let my weird and color show and invite the other humans in the room to let it bring out their bright and play and unruly too.

If support around growing capacity to With your shadow glory would feel helpful, I’d love to journey with you in a 1-1 somatic life-tending session.