Earthly Blessing
By George McClendon, Oct. 2013
North
Breathe in stability of earth
I am mountain-I am strong
Breathe out earth’s affirmation
Stand boldly with others
East
Breathe in lightness of air
I am free I am boundless
Breath out air’s upsweep
Soar freely with others
South
Breathe in fire’s Heat
I am passionate I am sexual
Breathe out fire’s fever
Compassion toward others
West
Breathe in serenity of water
I am lake—I am calm
Breathe out water’s acceptance
Bathe others with an embrace
earth ---air---fire---water
spirits above earth
spirits below earth
We are blessed and we bless
All Our Relations
About The Writer George McClendon, an ordained Catholic priest, was a Benedictine monk of St Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee Oklahoma from 1953 until 1978, when he chose to be dispensed from his priestly and monastic vows. As chaplain of St. Gregory’s College, during the latter 1960’s and early 1970’s, he operated a “drop in center” for young people coping with the drug culture, and for the last thirty-nine years he has practiced psychotherapy and spiritual guidance in the Monterey Bay area and Chico, California He has trained mental health professionals, conducted workshops and retreats in the United States, Canada and abroad.
From the 1980’s through 2000 he taught Dynamics Of Human Relationships and courses on Spirituality at the University of California, Santa Cruz Extension. Currently he teaches Meditation and Contemplation to elders through the Osher Lifetime Learning Program at Chico State University and continues to practice psychotherapy, conduct spiritual seminars and retreats. George's grandfather was half-Cherokee.
The Outdoor Poet is edited by Robert Sward, author of numerous books of poetry including, most recently, New and Selected Poems: 1957-2011 (Red Hen Press). He lives on the Westside with his wife, the artist Gloria Alford, and a poodle mix named Cosette. Participation in The Outdoor Poet is by invitation.
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