The Elements

I was reflecting today on how lucky I am to be studying a martial art based on the elements. When I was a white belt, the idea of the elements intrigued me. At the time, I was simply grateful for the implication of choice when responding to conflict. Today it is just as simple, but not any easier than that first day. I choose to live and interact with the whole of my being, whether it's my daily practice or resolving a conflict. The elements aren't just inside me and they aren't just a part of the world. They a more than building blocks, psychological constructs, or kamae.  They are reflections of my connections with everything.

The Elements: A Poem

In the moments of realization and recognition

That everything is just as perfect as can be,

the world gets brighter.

Perhaps this is what they mean

When they say en-lighten-ment.

The sun is my fire. 

It's rays heat my darkening skin, 

casting lights and shadows across the hills.

The wind, my messenger of peace, 

and change. 

The birds' song sounds of longing

and searching

then quiets in discovery.

The legs of the cricket

buzz in the sparse grasses

And the dog's low-throated growl sends the deer prancing

silently

into the trees.

Slipping deeper into the water,

Surrounded,

Uplifted,

I breathe in the freshness,

Aware that this moment is everything. 

The computer buzzes with alerts of emails and comments 

And things to do.

My mind dreams of what I will do today,

Tomorrow,

Next year. 

My heart cherishes the precious,

the breaths that bring awareness

Of the gift of

each 

and every 

day. 

The earth is my champion. 

My spirit lifts in gratitude

To this moment,

To this opportunity,

To this reality.