loving every line

some words on presence and aging and a special announcement at the end of this post!

a view that takes the breath away

Sacred Snapshot…

They move around the kitchen like a human orchestra composing the song of lunch.

I’m in a Villa in Tuscany. The home is 19th century with a view from the kitchen that takes the breath away. We are here to celebrate Sara’s 90th birthday. Today is the party.

The composer is of course, Sara. Her daughter Gloria (whose home this is) is also in charge. She never stops moving.

Gilda, Sara’s sister from marriage, consults the chart on the wall that details all the dishes to serve and tasks to complete and who is assigned to do what, when.

I am overjoyed when I see an “A” next to a task because that means I am family. My job: chopping tomatoes for gazpacho.

Jeanne enters the room with a smile. She traveled almost a full day to be here. Two planes and a 3 hour car ride. Eighty-eight and indomitable.

The kitchen hums with motion and purpose. I sit. I chop. I watch.

The women have known each other for longer than I have been alive. They speak fast in a combination of Italian, Spanish and English. They shift from language to language like it is a language in and of itself.

I feel shy because I only speak English; yet somehow I understand everything.

They communicate with their eyes, faces and hands. They are loving and warm. They have clear boundaries and rules. They are in charge but are in no way rigid or over-powering.

I am mesmerized.

I look at their faces. 90, 88, 80, 67 year old faces.

No makeup. No fuss. They are not concerned with appearances. Their focus is what is happening in front of them; preparing, serving, giving, loving, laughing, connecting.

Their faces exuding beauty from within.

I think of my own face.

I don’t see myself as I see these women. I can’t see my own face exude my own inner beauty.

The mirror only shows me puffy eyes, blemishes, and a jawline falling with gravity.

I cannot imagine these women staring in the mirror at themselves and giving a shit.

(Although I’m sure I’m wrong about that. We all give a shit in our own, quiet way.)

I decide in that moment that these women are my way-showers.

I decide that even though I cannot see it as clearly, I also exude beauty from within.

I decide that my face and body tell the story of my life and who I am.

That my eyes will sparkle with love, that my smile will melt tension and that my arms will embrace and protect.

I decide that my face isn’t for me to think about. It’s not for me. at all.

It’s for others.

I decide, like the Matriarchs before me:

I will simply shine.

way-showers Jeanne, Sara and Gilda

---

My face is changing 

with the passing years.

Gravity having an effect, 

along with all the tears.

I don’t remember frowning, 

so much to create lines.

Freezing a perpetual sad face 

for all of time.

The creases around my eyes 

show laughter and happiness.

Has filled many days and nights. 

Friends and family, togetherness.

The lines in my brow I see 

are physical evidence of thinking.

Anxiety and worry, heart sinking.

And of course, how can I forget 

my double chin?

That stays with me, always. Even when I’m thin.

The changes in my face, 

and the rest of my body,

Feel challenging and scary, 

without any real remedy.

Because time carries on, 

and takes our bodies with it.

Aging and dissolving, 

no matter how fit.

We can strengthen and stretch, 

take long walks and run.

But a time will arrive, 

when the body will be done.

And my face reminds me, 

with these black circles I can’t cure,

That my time here is precious. 

Acceptance does mature.

I am not my face, 

or my body, or my mind.

I am something else entirely. 

Eventually, I will find.

My true nature revealed to me. 

Mystical treasures unearthed.

Transition will come. 

Body dies. Soul rebirthed.

My faith is strong. 

I know, without being certain,

That I will continue on, 

beyond this body, this curtain,

That projects my life like a mirror,

Reflecting my emotional experience,

In the lines and the shapes

Of my physical appearance.

I am here and now, 

in space and time,

Situated in my body. 

Look how I shine,

Loving every line and every chin,

For my face reflects a life, 

loved deeply from within.

Live classes starting September 8th.

Free/by donation on Insight Timer.

(to join, follow me on the app and you will find the live classes)

Mondays 8:30-9am EST

Awakening the Week: Visualization & Intention

Mondays hold a special energy - the chance to begin again. In this live class, you’ll be guided through a blend of meditation, visualization, and intention-setting practices that awaken clarity and direction for the days ahead. Each week we’ll anchor into breath and imagery to align your inner landscape with the life you are creating. Whether you arrive feeling scattered, tired, or inspired, this session will leave you grounded, energized, and ready to meet the week with presence and purpose.

Tuesdays 8:30-9am EST

Cultivating Intuition: Listening and Writing

The midpoint of the week invites us to pause and listen. This class combines gentle somatic awareness with automatic writing to deepen your connection to intuition and the wisdom of your body. You’ll be guided through practices that help reveal and release tension, soften into awareness, and translate sensation into insight through the written word. Each week, new prompts invite discovery - supporting you in cultivating trust in your own inner voice and uncovering the clarity that arises when you truly listen within.

Fridays 8:30-9am EST

Breath of Life: Pranayama for Mental and Emotional Balance

Fridays are a natural moment to exhale and let go. In this live session, you’ll experience the healing power of breathwork to release the week’s accumulated stress and restore emotional equilibrium. Weekly, we will explore a range of pranayama techniques - from calming, restorative rhythms to energizing, clearing breaths. Breath practices are paired with guided reflections and personal inquiry.