On Friday (sometimes Saturday), we invoke the muse of motherhood to shine her light of inspiration upon us.

I love the idea that EACH breath is an invitation to come back. Below is an excerpt from Hafiz’s poem, Out Of The Mouths Of A Thousand Birds, translated by Daniel Ladinsky.

Listen –
Listen more carefully to what is around you
Right now.

In my world
There are the bells from the clanks
Of the morning milk drums,

And a wagon wheel outside my window
Just hit a bump

Which turned into an ecstatic chorus
Of the Beloved’s Name.

There is the Prayer Call
Rising up like the sun
Out of the mouths of a thousand birds.

There is an astonishing vastness
Of movement and Life

Emanating sound and light
From my folded hands

And my even quieter simple being and heart.

My dear,
Is it true that your mind
Is sometimes like a battering
Ram

Running all through the city,
Shouting so madly inside and out

About ten thousand things
That do not matter?

…

O listen –
Listen more carefully
To what is inside of you right now.

In my world
All that remains is the wondrous call to
Dance and prayer

Rising up like a thousand suns
Out of the mouth of a
Single Bird.

After traveling for two weeks and reaching the finish line of a long list of must-do’s and events, I am giddy to have time (and my mind back) to ‘just be’ with Tulsi. Today she gave me a long, tender hug and said, “Mama, I’m so happy I chose you and you chose me.” Today is our first winter storm of the season, and there is nowhere to be but here. Have a beautiful weekend.