Reclining Hero
Kneel and sit between your heels, lie back.
Press your shinbones down to tuck your tailbone.
Stretch your arms behind your head. Relax.
Even heroes must take time to rest.
Feel each breath expand… release
the inner chambers of your chest and belly.
Reclining in this pose stretches your abdomen,
eases digestion, soothes menstrual cramps.
Breathe awareness into every cell.
Say hello to all the microbes living
in the winding caverns of your gut.
Thank them for all they do to keep you going,
for how they ward off illness, break down food,
contribute to your deepest sense of knowing.
John Whitney Steele
John Whitney Steele, a psychologist, yoga teacher, and
assistant editor of Think: A Journal of Poetry, Fiction and Essays, graduated from
the MFA Poetry Program at Western Colorado University. His chapbook, The Stones
Keep Watch, is scheduled to be published this fall by Kelsay Books. His poetry
has appeared most recently in Ariel Chart, Asses of Parnassus, Chained Muse,
The Lyric, Muse India, The New Lyre, and Sparks of Calliope.
It's relaxing just to read this.
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