Essential Desert Self

There is a way that the desert breaks me down to my essential Self

a way the desert wind tears away that which is no longer necessary

and the desert sun melts old patterns no longer helpful

There is a way the vastness of the desert swallows up that which is petty or trivial

and desert shadows call into question long held beliefs

There is a way the cycle of the Moon in the desert sky
​sings of the inevitability of change

and the desert rocks witness to that which is ancient and enduring

there is a way the desert holds my gaze
​and makes sure that I know the full cycle of life...

includes death

and that beauty is to be celebrated...

but not clutched

The desert reminds me that light and dark are lovers

and that what I may experience as a frightening storm,
​brings new perspectives

There is a way the desert breaks me down to my essential Self
​and for that I am deeply grateful.

​****
all photos from my April 2016 three week pilgrimage to Death Valley and The Trona Pinnacles, and the last morning of the trip camping at Lake Isabella and watching the Full Moon set in the West right before sunrise