I cannot find my center.

It’s hidden somewhere underneath a crushing pile of rocks created by the wants and needs of a thousand tunnel-visioned external forces all vying to trounce my soul.

Every time I breathe and remove one from the pile, three more appear, all tossed from different directions. The forces collectively gain ground without the slightest care about the size of the rock heaps they erect in the wasteland or who they left behind.

Voices from the rushing waves scream when I quiet my mind, and a jester’s hat replaces my crown.

My center’s song used to be stronger than those piercing shrieks and flailing arms demanding my attention, my time, my mind, my soul, my heart, my life.

Shut up.

I am worth so much more than the volume of this weight.

Just shut up already.

I hurl each rock back and victoriously reclaim my center as the pile ceases to exist.

My center’s pendulum is free and abundantly swells with low tide serenity, warms from its light and aglow with its sunrise; my soul once again floats and my words flow forth like the tides of the sea.

My crown replaces the jester’s hat, and I awake, abide, and arise.

I am love.

I am peace.

I am.

Author’s note: My yoga teacher inspired this piece. Thank you, Katie, for helping me reclaim my center.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. I’m glad you are here.

With light and love,

Jill

“Center” was posted on jillocone.com on May 3, 2023. Views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the writer, who was not endorsed or compensated in any manner by any entity; views do not represent any of my employers. Copyright 2023, Jill Ocone. All rights reserved. Contact jillocone@gmail.com with reposting, licensing, and publishing inquiries.