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Sanskrit Chant: A Request

…

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe

Sughandhim Pushtivardanam

Urvaarukamiva Bhandhanaan

Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat

…

(for healing & protection; to overcome fear)

2020

Another gilded age, another Babylon
vs. the pure-hearted walkers
who don’t look for a ride,
who carry a sign: Free the Children!

I remember 1947.
Imprisoned at 3,
family gone, no food,
no water, almost died. Then,

compassion entered.
I survived.

Jan. 1, 2020, (c) Gudrun Mouw

Recently, I traveled to a different state and through various counties. There were places during our Northern California Central Valley road trip where we did not feel comfortable due to intense heat, heavy traffic, as well as other challenges. On the other hand, we very much loved family visits and good conversations; locations, such as Chico’s Bidwell Park and its refreshing Creek, were particularly enjoyable.

When we took the cooler, coastal drive homeward, we were uplifted by expansive views and ocean air. The final mile before our driveway seemed extra pleasant, perhaps, because of a sense of having survived another adventure. This morning, sitting at the breakfast bar, we saw our first bobcat in a long time instead of our usual deer visitors.

And today, following various trails around the property I resisted taking on unfinished projects lying around the former tack barn area, or dealing with stacks in various rooms waiting to be sorted, realizing I needed more time to readjust. A change of location, once again, has reminded me to value being present over succumbing to external and internal pressures.

Gudrun Mouw (c)