Dance, Lalla, Dance.

Seasons of an Ordinary Life

Reflections on the words of Lalla, 14th century female Kashmirian poet and mystic:

“Dance, Lalla with nothing on

but air. Sing, Lalla,

wearing the sky.

Look at this glowing day! What clothes

could be so beautiful, or

more sacred?”

And,

“Be an ordinary human being. Then the door will open and you will recognize the way.”

(The above was translated by Coleman Barks in his book, Naked Song)

From Sophia: Seasons of An Ordinary Life

“How many lifetimes does it take to be

lifted into the pristine awareness

of the ordinary life?

The softness of a meadow in spring,

green life rising up

through the warming earth and my bare feet.

The meadow of late summer in wild celebration,

humming, buzzing, leaping, floating, and alighting.

In autumn, the cooling slant of sunlight in the forest,

the scent of cedar and earth fallen leaves.

The diamond light of early snow,

all things cleansed into the holy,

as am I.

In deep winter, following the footprints of other warm, living beings

crossing the wide expanse, seeking life as I seek it.

Every cell registers how alive I am in this place, in this moment.

In seasons of time, lighted faces appear and disappear,

some touching inner soul courage,

and some, a butterfly kiss in passing…

Long, dark nights call me into communion with shadows of former selves.

I respectfully pause, then keep walking toward the morning light

and the newly emerging, ordinary human being that I am,

glistening wings and all.”

Sophia

12-15-22