Introspection

 Introspection

Introspection is alive and well within me

Like a little ant crawling on my skin

Easy to ignore for more important pursuits.

Until a sleepless night reminds me

That I have been avoiding myself.

“If you won’t listen to me when you are awake

I will get through to you at 3am.”

I listen.

I vow I no longer need to injure myself 

Or get sick to slow down

And pay attention to myself.

Being with the experience of mad, sad, scared and glad 

In my body

Opens the wellspring of joy beneath.

In this way I can show up for myself gratefully

And avoid the universe’s escalating reminders of neglect

A gentle tap

A little nudge

A slap

A punch

The cosmic two by four.