Stride ~ the idioms

~to hit one's stride~

each day with intent

forging a path to somewhere

preparing and plotting a course

then literally setting out on foot

stretch and warm the muscles

tighten the strings on my shoes

the lean slightly forward

and begin with the first step

the breeze against my face

and the rhythmic sound of my feet

is becoming a soundtrack of motion

the only thing accompanying me

as muscles start to burn

and breath strains in my lungs

I focus all of my thoughts

and stride and breath become one

standing tall, shoulders back

deep and full inhale

exhale hard, making room

for new air to fill my lungs

speed is not of any note

as I face a steep incline

distance is the measure

as I lean into the hill

at the precipice a sharp inhale

the path before me levels out

my steps propel me forward

and I find a steady stride

~to take it in stride~

practice daily, center yourself

 with intent and an earnest plan

read and pray and focus

and then open your eyes to see

train your body, train your mind

feed your spirit and your soul

relish the ache that you feel in both

as the dormant parts of you wake

open your eyes with possibility

this is the first time this moment has ever been

before the weight of the world descends

revel in the simple joys

sunrise, singing birds, the quiet of your mind

the simplicity of your soul

the moments before the world awakes

there is plenty of time each day

to feel what life will present

to find the appropriate reactions

and make the required change

but in the first moments of morning

in the first breaths you breathe

steel yourself with the strength

and the take the day in stride

Serenity

wondering if I can run

faster than the voices in my head

feeling the pulsing and pounding

and my heartbeat quickens as well

I am trying to slow things down

trying to let my breathing become even

trying to let this churning feeling

settle into a quiet hum

there was a poke, skin pricked

a scratch under the surface

and now the wound is festering

infection trying to set in

I step outside into the rain

arms and legs bare

and I begin to move with intent

one step at a time

at first cold muscles start to scream

as the aching needs to be heard

my lungs choke on the chill in the air

but I breathe through the burning in my chest

slow and measured steps

breath finding time with the pace

each footfall pushing forward

propelling me from this place

it’s easy to just drop anchor

and hunker down in the cold

wrapped in cloaks of comforting warmth

as you spiral down the hole

but stripped half naked and soaked

as I run for my life through the rain

I can’t tell the difference between raindrops and tears

they feel one and the same

the sound of the rain is following me

like footsteps on this path

and the feeling that I am not out here alone

creeps slowly up my back

I look to the sky, the rain on my face

and I feel the words pass my lips

God, grant me the serenity

to accept what I cannot change