Beginnings

image borrowed from bing

Beginnings


I like thinking of each dawn
as the beginning of a new year.
Then, I get a new start every morning.

Each day then becomes a microcosm of each year.
It’s not so overwhelming.
For one day we can eat nourishing food,
we can be nice to the person at work
who always tests us, we can make
that extra effort in all things,
all thoughts, all actions.
Then the string of days collects a shine
and all things are possible.

When you wake up in the morning go outside.
Turn to the East.
East is the direction of beginnings.
It is sunrise.

When beloved Sun rises, it is an entrance,
a door to fresh knowledge.
Breath the light in.
Call upon the assistance you need for the day.
Give thanks.

When you go out you will see
that the birds are out singing up the Sun.
The plants too are turning in that direction.

And at dusk, as Sun leaves us,
return to the station of remembering.
When Sun leaves it makes a doorway.
We have access to eternity.

Breath out. Ask for forgiveness.
Let all hurts and failures go.
Let it all go.

The birds and animals turn inward and let go,
as do the plants.
We are all in this ceremony together.

Joy Harjo

Posted as prose over on her site Poetic Adventure in the Last World Blog