How to remember: light a candle

On lighting a candle at the altar of your life

Come really close and let me read for you with my voice and my heart 👆

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Every morning I light a candle. I sit with the pictures I printed and framed. I sit with the thoughts and memories and prayers. Of all of those who came before me.

I feel them. Not as memories or thoughts only, but actually as part of me. My parents. My ancestors who built the world I live in and the world that I am. My body is an extension of them. So is my mind. My hands whisper of their dreams.

I sit with those I love who passed away. The gratitude of them sharing their life with mine, tears my heart open. Their every touch shaped me. Is me. I feel them now live through me.

And those I love who are here still. Of course they shaped me too. I pray for them. I hold with honor their choices. I hold with warmth their pains. I remember their loving gestures and warm gazes, and I shower them with mine.

I sit with the nature where I grew up. The tree I climbed and the dark lake where I dove deep under. It made me. It breathes through me still. I inhale her fragrance. And then I sit - just for a moment - as her.

I sit with the land under my feet. I feel its subtle beat. I listen for its present sounds. I turn to the window and receive her with my eyes. All spirits of this land, all critters, birds and beasts, the silent radiant heart of the forest. I see you.

I remember.

And. I sit with those who are yet to come. I feel them calling. I hear the children singing in the distance. Their bright voices are bringing me forth. And I'm coming. Towards he who I am here to be.

Then - and only then - I start my day.

With love,
Alexander