Seven Stanzas on Stillness at the Time of the Pandemic

They say people sheltering in place

are experiencing enforced stillness.

Stillness – reflection – cannot be forced.

Still it’s a good time to give stillness its due

because stillness is like a giving tree

offering gifts

of serenity,

insights, safety.

Stillness is like a summer breeze

offering an opening

to follow our breath –inhaling – exhaling,

time to be our breath.

Stillness is like clear water

offering a channel

to our creativity,

our intuition, our essence.

Stillness is like a loving friend

offering a way

to acknowledge feelings,

accept what is, nourish our spirit.

Stillness is like a walk down a path

offering time

to enter into mystery and meaning,

the eternal.

Stillness is like an orchestra’s harmony

offering an attitude

that softens our hearts, eradicates judgment,

eliminates separateness,

It’s a good time to give stillness its due.