41 Comments
User's avatar
Janice Falls's avatar

My body responded to "the connection

you once shared with mother, grandmother, all those

baubled eggs, healing cells, left behind for a reason"

thank you for this reminder, and may your body be at ease.

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you, Jan. That line surprised me when it came out in the poem! Appreciate your good thoughts.

Joanne Snyder's avatar

Have you ever encountered Jungian Therapist Marion Woodman RIP she has some wonderful writings. Also,talks on YOUTUBE! She talks alot regarding soul & Body connection or lack, Marion had her own issues with annorexia several years ago very honest Jungian! I have worked with my dreams for years would be interesting to see what your dreams may tell you! Rest is a powerful healer!

Last but not least wonderful poem!

Peace

joanne

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Joanne, I'm not familiar with Marion Woodman, but I will gladly look into her writings! Thanks for introducing me to her work. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem and thanks for the good wishes.

Sam Aureli's avatar

I’m so sorry for the pain, Ellen. May you find rest and peace as much as you can grab.

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thanks Sam. Appreciate your kind thoughts.

Tricia Gates Brown's avatar

I have been learning these lessons myself … again. The last five lines of this poem are so moving, such a graceful reminder.

Healing!

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thanks Tricia. Yes, we learn them over and over I think.

Karen Hoffman's avatar

"...listen to the soul you’re carrying around without much thought...."

Just WOW, YES!

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you, Karen. I’m glad that line resonated with you.

Laura Coleman's avatar

Thank you for this reminder of how to be with and shake free of our body’s pain. This line will stay with me, “Love most the places you try to hide. “ Sending you ease and softness as you recover. 💞

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you so much, Laura.

Anita Joy Edwards's avatar

What beautiful words. We so often fight our bodies as if they were the enemy and it's a fight we can never win. Thank you for showing us the better path.

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Exactly! Thank you, Anita.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

What a beautiful poem, Ellen. I wish you a soon-as-possible recovery. (My review of your new collection is up today.)

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Many thanks, Maureen.

Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem, Ellen. I'm so sorry about the shingles. May you receive the healing and rest your body and mind need.

Ellen Rowland's avatar

I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Margaret. Thank you.

Poetry Outdoors's avatar

There is so much permission in this poem to feel it all ❤️ love to you as you navigate this current journey with your body and listening to its wisdom

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you so much, Ash. ❤️

Kris Haig's avatar

How is it possible to alchemize such pain into something so beautiful as this poem? All of us who are dealing with or have dealt with chronic pain are with you in spirit. Healing Mercies!

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you so much, Kris. I think we put our best selves forward in our poems. I’m learning from the process for sure.

Jennifer Henry's avatar

I so loved reading your wisdom. I hope you get the rest and healing you need to move on from this illness. Love you friend. Sending you hugs.

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you, dear Jen. Hugs right back to you!

Debora Tremont's avatar

Ellen, thank you for this exquisite reflection on listening to our bodies, its soft whispers and harsh cries. I’m going to print a copy, and keep it nearby, probably in my commonplace book. It lingers near my desk, always at hand. I need this constant reminder as I adventure into aging. Today, I’m reaching and stretching into the sky with you! Much love and gratitude, Debora

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you for this, Debora. ❤️

Julia Fehrenbacher's avatar

I am sending you so much love, Ellen. I very much needed this poem this morning-surely you wrote it for me. Thank you. Wrapping comforting arms around you, my friend. 💗🙏💗

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you so much for the embrace, Julia. I’m glad this poem landed in your lap when you needed it. ❤️

Stephanie Carney's avatar

I am so sorry you are going through this terribly difficult time, and yet you choose to learn from these moments, transforming pain into wisdom and then sharing that wisdom with us. Thank you habibi, as Moudi would say!

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you so much, Stephanie. ❤️

Leslie Waugh's avatar

Beautiful, Ellen! I seem to get this message over and over. My shingles pain lasted a whole lot longer than I bargained for and also taught me a lot. Rest was front and center. I hope you’ll heal well and soon. Thanks for sharing your luminous reflection!

Ellen Rowland's avatar

Thank you, Leslie. It really is one day at a time. Today feels better than yesterday. I’m grateful!