this poem

comes with instructions

let each line

be a breath

don’t rush

mindfulness is

to be intensely aware

what do you smell?

what do you hear?

what do you taste?

what are you touching?

what do you see?

How do you feel?

no need to judge

no need to tell stories

about what it

all means

just be here

breathe into this moment

celebrate

being alive

such a simple thing

and yet you’ll find it

reduces stress

lowers blood pressure

prevents depression

improves sleep

lessens anxiety

right here

right now

(happy Valentines day)