My feet are planted and I rise from the ashes

Like a phoenix headed toward the sun

Hands connect, reaching toward the sky, and I

I am connected

I am here

I am present

And I am grateful for Mother Earth

I am grateful for the warmth I feel on my face

And as I breathe deep ujjayi breath into these precious lungs

I feel the link between the sun, the earth and myself

And I begin this practice of thanks

Through linked breath and movement

Stitching the threads of the fabric of these moments with intention

First lengthening, opening and then surrender

Flowing, not unlike Life itself

And in these moments I realize that

The differences between us

Are much slighter than they ever seemed before.

‘Surya Namaskar’ is the third in a series of poems written in the name of, and dedicated to, the practice of yoga. Please read the others in the series, ‘Harmonium’ here,
‘Warrior’, here. and ‘Crow’, here.