Transform Fear Into Peace: How Ahimsa Guides You to Heal, Let Go, and Embrace Life

Ahimsa translates from Sanskrit to non-striking. It is a natural human compulsion to want to strike out (or inward) when fear appears. Remember, things are coming from you—everything, from your cell phone screen to the environment breathing you now.

Ahimsa is the first Yama Yogi Virtue. The Yamas are 5 ethical commitments to follow to be a real yogi. Ahimsa is the practice of being careful not to harm others, including every living creature since all beings feel pain and wish to avoid it.

Why a cell phone screen?

Vitality is present when in alignment with our values. The outside environment is a reflection of what is going on inside of us. This consciousness awareness connects to our breath and the perception of the world at this very moment in time. The state of wellness is the result of practicing Ahimsa.

Things run smoothly and work with ease. Reactions are a form of fear. A misguided worldview can block vital life forces, causing dis - ease. One reaction can ruin a life.

This begins to show up in small things like a crack in your cell phone screen. When ignored, it doesn’t go away but snowballs in the subconscious space to revisit us later.

I am enough, ah hung.

Homework

On The Mat

Becoming the lotus flower. Set your intention to become the lotus flower. Lotus flower grows from the dirtiest part of the pond, through the waters, and towards the light. When lotus blooms, the aroma spreads throughout the land as an offering. The most fragrant, sweet aroma.

Bring attention to the rhythm of your breath. The rhythm of your breath creates the aroma we share with the world.

For The Day

Let go of anger. Today, let us weed our inner garden, instead of reacting to something we don’t like and perceive as outside of self. Today we choose to let go of our normal pattern of doing something. We are all here so we are not alone. Who are you grateful, for today?

Unlock Your Truth: Mastering Satya for Authentic Living, Powerful Speech, and Deep Connection

The practice of never giving anyone even a slightly different impression of what we know to be true. Satya is the third Yama Yogi Virtue, or commitment to ethical living. Satya is refraining from separateness caused by idol (meaningless talk), gossip & harsh words such as complaining or cursing. Grounded in truth and not desire, our actions result in a fruitful nature. Truth in essence does not change, holds no distortion, and is pure. Thoughts that pass through the mind do not define us unless we identify with them. Observe the thoughts with loving awareness.  Then we move on to the next Yama Yogi Virtue ~ letting go.

Steady in our feet.

We each hold a unique gift that only you can offer this world. Align your words to the language of your thing. When fully established in Satya, one is completely rooted in truth, words become powerful, resulting in fruit immediately ~ speech is profound and vast.

Courage is easy.

Decide to face the pain and align to your unique truth. May the truth set us free. Truth in nature resonates deep, timeless, and belonging. Practice with awareness of what resonates and what does not.

On the mat.

Singing is a practice of Satya. Your journey and wisdom are a virtue and are felt through our voice. All the experiences we have been through show up in our voices. This is our unique gift to the world and only you can offer it. So what could it be?

For today.

When the ego gets in the way of the heart, mental afflictions can rise to cloak the truth with a veil of illusion. Honor the light within. True service inspires the essential birthright in others. Your light reveals the truth in others.

note.

Satya must filter first through Ahimsa, as truth in nature is non-striking. Satya is the ability to transcend upward - everything is coming from you.

Let Go to Grow: Mastering Aparigraha for Non-Attachment, Joy, and Mindful Living

The practice of avoiding possessiveness of people and things by intentionally recognizing and trying to stop our feelings of displeasure when others get something they want. Letting go for joy and mindful living.

When fully established in non-attachment, one understands nature and one’s birth. Aparigraha is the yogi virtue of Non-Attachment, removing any sensory satisfaction about the problems of others.

The skin of the body is living awareness. 

The body and mind naturally organize what is helpful to the body and what is not. The skin then releases toxins through oil and sweat, regulating homeostasis within.

What is a toxin?

A toxin is a poisonous substance that causes disease. Let go of the toxic energy that no longer serves. When we practice yoga, we identify the toxin to form an intention at the beginning of class. By doing this, we can release the toxic thought patterns and the bodily pain associated with the thought pattern. Pancha Maya Kosha is the five layers of conscious awareness. The solution is found within the layers during a yoga class.

Self-care nurtures the mind and body, creating a foundation for self-love and belonging. As humans, when we feel insecure, we tend to try to control and cling to everything and everyone around us. When fully established in Aparigraha, one understands nature and the purpose of one’s birth.

How do you take care of the world around you?

By releasing control of the outcome and contributing positively to the world as the seasons change. Aparigraha is not playing favoritism with experiences. With each season, there is a lesson. The study is only visible when in an observer state of mind. The seat of aparigraha allows congruency, a steady state necessary to see what is valuable and virtuous. Releasing weight- creating value.

Generosity is giving AND receiving, but only when necessary. 

What is received will be gone at some point, suffering comes from the attachment to that thing. Seeking and accepting more than what one needs is a natural human compulsion, and with the law of change, extra things become baggage. Adapt to change by observing the breath during the process of giving and receiving.

On the mat.

Breathwork practice can relax the experience during the process. A sophisticated focus forms once you realize that the environment is breathing you. 

For today.

Decisions shift to support the reality of the new mind, body, and spirit. Give and receive only what will add value to life. The compulsion of hoarding, possessiveness, and craving for something outside of self is a cycle that will too, pass. 

With patience, presence, and gratitude.

Achieve True Bliss: How Samadhi Transcends Consciousness and Connects You to Everything

Samadhi transcends the 5 layers of consciousness to bliss body awareness. Equanimity and mindfulness are attained, and one is in connection with everything. We can feel the Schumann resonance a significant amount at this level. We are the thing, the thing observing the thing, and the meaning we give to the thing. Reflection lifts and the mind is empty.

Samadhi is when mental fluctuations cease, and a withdrawal from the outside world reaches a state of interconnectedness.

One can achieve samadhi through the 8 limbs of yoga while sitting in Lotus, Padmasana, or Sukhasana, Easy Pose.

Kundalini rising
Soul trying
Light igniting

Mastering Dharana: Preparing Your Mind for Deep Meditation through Focused Concentration

Dharana

Focused concentration - holding steady to a specific focus.

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Consciousness can drift in and out with the distractions of everyday life. Dharana is a fixed concentration on an object - like your hair is on fire! Think mountain bike tunnel vision. As fixation is maintained, you will realize that the thing carries out a reflection in everyday life. The object of focus has risen to shine light through the present moment. 

After Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), mental confusion ceases, for a harmonious state of being. Don’t get too excited - there is still mental chatter up there due to past experiences and imagined future projections. Dharana is preparing your conscious state to sit in meditation, to understand the experience. The Sri Lokesh is the point of concentration about six inches from your face. This is where the thing of focus will objectify. The Sri Lokesh can be developed with regular Yoga Nidra practice.

You may concentrate on a psychic symbol or seed mantra that matters to the current experience, your fundamental nature, and your ultimate truth. You must become absorbed, consumed, and overwhelmed by this mantra, deity, or guru. Spontaneous attention is what holds focus and keeps the mind from dissipating. Over time, one begins to see more profound aspects of the Sri Lokesh and the archetypal nature of your history can unveil.

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One point
toe floint
head to toe
front to know
to let go
in a hazy dance
with romance
no form
a faraway storm
one point
one mic
one square
triangular glare
yantra
mantra
DO NO HARM
breathe to close
the rose
to dive deep,
seek

To keep the mind with a secure concentration on an object while consciousness drifts in and out is Dharana. As fixation is maintained, you will realize that the object carries out a reflection. The object of focus has risen to shine a light on the conscious state. Dharana is to prepare your consciousness state for meditation. Focus on the Sri Lokesh, the space several inches in front of your face. This is where the object of focus will objectify.

Pratyahara: Unlocking Your True Nature by Quieting the Mind and Senses

Pratyahara

Ever wonder why you do the things you do? By withdrawing from the noise of the senses and turning inward, you can begin to understand your true self and unlock the wisdom hidden within.

In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to lose track of the things that truly matter. But have you ever stopped to consider why you act the way you do? Pratyahara, often referred to as the "withdrawal of the senses," is a powerful practice that offers a pathway to self-awareness and inner peace.

When we consciously withdraw from the constant stimulation around us, we create space to observe the patterns of our mind. It's in this space that we can uncover the deeper truths of who we are and how we operate in the world. By learning to focus inward, we can better understand the fluctuations of the mind, known as chitta vritti, and begin to align our actions with our true purpose.

The journey toward inner peace begins when we stop reacting to external triggers and start to notice what’s happening inside. Yoga, with its emphasis on breath and awareness, serves as a detoxifying practice that helps clear away mental clutter. Through observing the breath, we can sense the subtle shifts in our emotions and energy. A fast-paced breath may indicate stress or tension, while a slow, deep breath signals relaxation and balance.

As you start to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you will uncover the true power of intuition—your inner "gut instinct." This deep awareness can guide you through life with clarity, free from the distractions that usually lead us astray.

Yoga Nidra, often considered a form of Pratyahara, is an incredibly effective practice for cultivating this inner awareness. In Yoga Nidra, the body enters a state of deep relaxation while the mind remains alert. This delicate balance between the conscious and unconscious minds allows us to access the space of manifestation and insight, a state where our true nature can be revealed.

Ultimately, Pratyahara isn’t just about withdrawal; it’s about turning inward to find the light within. As you journey deeper into your practice, you'll learn to let go of the distractions, attachments, and ego that cloud your perception. The result? A clearer sense of self, a deeper connection to your inner wisdom, and a life that aligns with your highest potential.

So, next time you feel overwhelmed by external noise, remember that the key to peace lies in the quiet stillness within. Through Pratyahara, you can begin to unlock the wisdom that has always been inside you.

---

Me-ness

Guided by a sphere
I feel you near
through the construct
not so clear
lighthouse in the fog
body ridden with smog
follow the light
giving up the endless fight
using all my might
mouse maze of traps
time lapse
what is time?
not for the divine
a choice to stay in the grapevine
of time
eyes on
eyes beyond
seeking
the universe inside of
there is no
ego distracted again by something shiny

Pratyahara is withdrawal of senses to draw focus inward, towards the mind and our understanding of the world around us.

How Posture Works: Unlocking Subtle Energies and Cultivating Inner Strength Through Asana

Asana

Posture - focus on physical posture of the body in observation, not judgement, to limit reactivity.

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A yoga flow is composed of postures, as translated from the Sanskrit word “Asana.” The action taken in the state of Asana reflects how one is currently creating one reality.

This is clearing obstructions in the human system by observing the repetitive cycles.

A muscle begins to atrophy after 3 days of inaction. The physical body is made from breathing patterns. Breathing moves subtle energies made of mental perceptions (karma). The intellect protects the centered position of bliss. The subtle energy is composed of perceptions the mind has formed to inspire longevity.

The two main principles of asana in yoga are steadiness and ease. Reactions can then alchemize into responses. Yoga is yoking back to our natural state of bliss. Think of an egg.

Observe your breath and mind after setting up your yoga posture to reflect on how you are currently showing up in life. The seat of the observer, without judgment.

A yoga posture is prescribed in the East rather than pills to clear barriers within the human design. Observe the patterns of tension in the body with transparency for liberation of those tensions. Things are empty in and of themselves, you charge the thing with a focus on the thing. Tensions can come in many forms with a similar underlying current. The thoughts that arise do not identify you unless you identify with them. Coming from the seat of observer, understand what was never yours in the first place.

The yoga posture, when practiced traditionally, can heal the deep wounds that were left forgotten. When deeper levels of consciousness are uncovered, it can get intense mentally, emotionally, and physically. Take classes from an experienced teacher. Always practice grounding and caution with deeper levels of yoga.

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It’s the moments of weakness

when every cell in your body wants to die

This is growth.

This is where strength from the inside out is cultivated.

Ishvara Pranidhana: The Art of Surrender and Devotion to a Higher Path

Ishvara Pranidhana

This is the practice of committing oneself to a qualified spiritual master in order to learn, hold, perfect and pass on the lineage.

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Ishvara Pranidhana is following under a master of what you are trying to accomplish. It is being beyond one form, yet expressed through all forms.

Ishvara Pranidhana is an offering - a devotion to something bigger than oneself. This could be God, the universe, many Gods, or nature. It is finding someone who is an expert and humbly learning from them.

Ishvara Pranidhana is The Offering of The Chapati - while staying at an ashram* in North India, we spent a lot of time in the kitchen with Ama, the exceptional woman who would cook for us, the best chapati ever - there is nothing like eating chapati made with natural spring water from the runoff of the Himalayan mountains. When Ama finished cooking the meal, she would tear off a piece of chapati and throw it into the shurja in recognition of the Fire God Agni, for providing fire to cook the food.

Ishvara Pranidhana is the yogi virtue of surrendering to the cosmic will by committing oneself to a qualified spiritual teacher to learn, hold, perfect, and pass on the lineage.

An inner knowing and external gratitude to step outside oneself to see the bigger picture. Surrender is not weakness, but wisdom to completely see now, where the entirety of the universe dwells. There is no past or future, only now. Surrender is not weakness, but wisdom to completely see the now, where in which the entire universe dwells. There is no past or future, only now. Now that is ever-changing, when one learns to navigate change with flexibility, ease, and faith, resistance lessens & suffering ceases. Physical strength stays with one longer because the stress that deteriorates muscle is limited. 

Now is ever-changing. Ishvara Pranidhana grants you the ability to navigate through change with flexibility, ease, and faith - suffering ends.

On the mat.

Stay in each posture for three ADDITIONAL breaths today.

For today.

Write this affirmation on a piece of paper.

“I am enough, ah hung”

Reflect upon the inner winds, and the views that move them.

---

Surrender
to remember
who you are
go far
then beyond
never stop
coming back to you

*Yog Sadhana Dham Ashram Inquires (Retreats, Meditation, Ayurveda) - Contact Us here.

Svadhyaya: Cultivating Self-Awareness Through Scriptural Study and Reflective Meditation

What is SVADHYAYA?

Svadhyaya is the study of oneself and the collective. We study the self to become less self-centered. Something more significant than your ego is happening here.

This means plugging into self-reflective meditation and reading books on concepts that are bigger than you as an individual. Understand the teachings, understand the self, and understand the collective. Studying something bigger than yourself to gain knowledge.

On the mat.

Surrender tension from your forehead and jaw muscles. Notice when tense and when soft.

For today.

Practice listening to an elder’s story to gain wisdom. Surrender to the sound of their voice.

---

Like a kite
no ground
flesh bound
feet not on the ground
voices just a sound
earth round
flesh bound
reach for the ground
fingers in soil
universal energy loyal
following
calling
guiding river of life
let go of the strife
soil rich
fragrant and free
of the flesh that encapsulates me

Tapah: Embracing Spiritual Hardship to Transform Challenges into Strength and Wisdom

Tapah

Spiritual Hardship. This is the practice of following through w our commitments by finishing whatever hard work we need to, if it means taking others and ourselves out of pain.

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The Moment of Opportunity is Now Here.

The decision to attune to inner power takes courage and discipline. Finishing the hard work, even if it means taking yourself or others out of pain by drastic means. The mind refines to form the body.

Tapas dignifies character. Sattva is the state of being when you are in harmony, and doing the work for the pureness of doing the work. Rajastic is the state of work for reward. Tamastic is the state of laziness. Turn the heat upward. Stick with the fire until the sensation is gone.

Coal presses to form a diamond. Situations that used to baffle you, now are faced with courage. The wisdom gained through the experience is multi-faceted.

On the mat.

Accept what is no longer available. Allow yourself to breathe through the discomfort. Tapas reveals who you truly are.

For today.

The breath is both involuntary and voluntary. Self-observation during the burn can bring clarity to habit. Negative feelings surface to leave the body.

If the experience becomes an internal battle, and cannot be released - suppression forms and can be dangerous. The answer is to transform the thing. You are heating the body from darkness to light.

---

Time drifting
shifting
LIFTING
me
high on a tree
on a branch
in a house
everyone is loved 
even the mouse
even the cat
even the rat
Transcending on this mat

Heat burns through obstacles. Tapahs are the things we go through that dignify our character and evolve our soul. Like coal that is pressured into a diamond, situations that used to baffle us, now are faced courageously because of the wisdom gained through experience.

Embracing Contentment: Finding Joy and Freedom in the Present Moment Through Mindful Practice

Santosha

Contentment. This is the practice of not wanting the things that we don’t have and enjoying the things we do have, and intentionally never complaining. The ability to sit with oneself, without being affected by negative emotions is the virtue of Santosha.

Contentment - the practice of not wanting the things that we do not have, enjoying the things we do have, and intentionally never complaining.

The destination is but a small piece of life. By fully accepting where you are, you free up mental space for imagination and virtuous action. 

By taking the Seat of the Observer, people and things become reflective of what is going on inside of you, not what is happening to you. The lesson is in the art of the response.

Balance the executive function, or inner critic, with the mindset of a student.

“It is okay to make mistakes while learning.” Try this affirmation to prevent congestion between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.

Confusion resides within the illusion that duality does not exist. For example, prosperity is only possible through hardship, and wealth from poverty - one must be sick to get well. There is no separation, only cycles. Ignorant “Like” or “Dislike” of anything - creates separation. The thing we like/dislike actually resides inside of us, not the thing. Contentment is cultivated by constant reevaluation of where one is, to see the next steps, to get where one wants to go, and best serve others in the moment.

Contentment involves intuition - as trust reflects back our understanding of people and things. Boundaries and investments establish a firm foundation in self-worth, granting self-care. How we show up is either going to nourish or destroy the world around us - by being content in our skin, it gives others the freedom to be content in theirs.

Confusion resides within the illusion that duality does not exist. For example, prosperity is only possible through hardship, and wealth from poverty - one must be sick to get well. There is no separation, only cycles. Ignorant “Like” or “Dislike” of anything - creates separation. The thing we like/dislike actually resides inside of us, not the thing. Contentment is cultivated by constant reevaluation of where one is, to see the next steps, to get where one wants to go, and best serve others in the moment. Does this bring frustration or anger? 

How long has the ego held onto this?

The self-defeating reel of the inner critic does not define us - it frees us with the wisdom of habit. To let go of suffering - one must validate the pain that initially caused it, and observe the discomfort (validation to see where it is coming from), in order to let go. The lesson is one to pass forward - to relieve others from the cycle of suffering.

Change allows humility and a greater perspective in relating to others. The pain in somebody does not identify the essence of who they are, but merely darkness that requires light.

On the mat.

Balasana | Childs Pose

1. Out breath, shoulders melt away from the spine.

2. In breath, lengthens the spine.

• Forehead roots to the ground.

• Torso draped.

• Muscles compressed

• Breath, steadily and with ease.

  For today.

  Perform a random act of kindness. If someone acknowledges you. Start over.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

- Galatians 5:13

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Further Reading

The Practical Guide To Buddhist Meditation - by Paramananda - Original Title: Change Your Mind

The Bible

Embracing Sacred Simplicity: Cultivating Clarity, Compassion, and Connection in Every Moment

Sauca

The practice of not cluttering out precious days with business, the craving of shallow interactions with others, worldly junk. We strive all day to see the world and all those around us as sacred.

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Imagine a crystal sphere, transparent in reflection - attaching to nothing. 

Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that every action in nature has an equal and opposite response extending beyond the point of contact. Imagine allowing the experience to become a vast understanding of the abject and subject, within the object. 

In and As Seat of Observer, you gain the ability to transcend previous attachments. Think of Sauca and The Four Infinite Thoughts as if you are swimming through water, toward the surface.

Ultimate Reality is found in this very moment.

Ultimate reality, the agreed-upon reality of all things, over time, without a second thought— becomes infinite love, compassion, equanimity, and joy.

Sauca is the practice of striving to see the world as sacred and the people as life-giving gems to be honored and respected. When you see another, you are seeing yourself. All is I, the Atman.

The elixir of life.

Prosperity is hearty conversations, with empathetic listening- listening to understand the other person.

A precious day cluttered with busyness or shallow interactions with others only dilutes the quality of experience. Pure love is unconditional and timeless, allowing people's true nature to prosper and come to fruition naturally.

On the mat.

Allow thoughts to filter through the eyes of love, compassion, equanimity, and joy. Take notes.

If you are a beginner, start with one Infinite Thought, and the transparency of a clear crystal.

A clear crystal quartz necklace pendant can be an energetic reminder of your transparency.

“I would gaze through the crystal ball on my necklace as soon as I noticed my mind becoming dull, or distracted. A reminder of impermanence. This too shall pass. Cherish the present moment.”

Pa Pae, Thailand, Pa Pae Meditation Retreat

For today.

I invite you to practice Sauca today by seeing the world through the eyes of a kid in a candy store.

Self-abrasive thoughts can distract and dry up precious time and energy. Infinite thoughts pave the way for an authentic connection and the transparent mind of a crystal ball.

Further Reading:

• Four Chapters of Freedom Commentary on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami Satyananda Saraswati

• Bhagavad Gita Hari ChetanWe learn to let go of self-abrasive thoughts and actions to allow for connection and unstoppable self-esteem. The thoughts and actions that allow stillness hold little reaction, positive or negative. Little reaction allows for little reaction - there is a state of peace. This is why the “sky with clouds passing” analogy in meditation is successful for many people - the act of allowing, when our natural instinct is to grasp onto everything, especially when we are afraid. 

Sauca is remaining still and unaffected by the stimuli around us, like a crystal sphere, reflecting - attaching to nothing. Observe what brings strength and what brings suffering. Don’t clutter your precious day with busyness. Strive to see the people and the world around you as sacred. Like you are seeing through the eyes of a new mother, that just saw her baby for the first time.

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We are meant to harmonize together.
Light as a feather
High together
Clean wing
Bowl ding

Embracing Unchanging Truth: Living Authentically by Aligning Mind, Speech, and Actions

Satya

The practice of never giving anyone even a slightly different impression from what you know to be true. The most serious lie is to make false claims about spiritual realizations, but truthfulness also includes avoiding divisive talk, harsh words, and idle talk.

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True essence is unchangeable, with no distortion, and is pure. Living a truthful life without harming others while thoughts, emotions, and moods change constantly. The truth is your essence never changes. So often we identify with our irrational thoughts. With yoga, we learn to ALLOW mind fluctuations by breathing into the discomfort - to identify and face it. Pay attention to where discomfort is sourced. If an unpleasant emotion comes up: see it, face it, let it go, for freedom. Take responsibility for the feeling and KNOW that you are not your mind. When there is identification with a negative thought, it weakens us and after neural pathways form from the repetitive thought, we become sick. Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized the reflection?

Give others the courage to live their truth - inspire them by not comparing yourself to them. You are created in a beautifully, unique way, so follow your intuition and trust that you are proper, just as you are. Based on your thoughts, speech, and actions, your perception of reality is formed. When truth and action meet, the fruit is powerful and innovative to the great wonders of life.

Think before speaking and consider the consequences of action. Forgive others because they are a reflection. Authenticity is forgiving yourself and speaking with conviction, through the eyes of a student of life. Accept strengths and weaknesses without judgment. With explanation, we find justification and quantification. This does not bring truth in certainty but a label. Certainty comes from you. Stop reaching outside of yourself, because you have everything you need inside. Be true, be you.

When you give yogi truth, you get yogi truth. When the ego gets in the way of the heart, mental afflictions form in fear. Go back to the drawing board, everything is coming from you! Satya, truth, travels through the first yama of non-harming, Ahimsa. Live authentically by aligning your mind, speech, and action to your awesome authentic self.

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Truth is youth
uplift the gift
the journey
Get off the gurney

In order to trust
let go of lust
plastic
elastic
bend
to mend

see the tree
I am you
you are me