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Essential Desert Self

There is a way that the desert breaks me down to my essential self

a way the desert wind tears away that which is no longer necessary

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and the desert sun melts old patterns no longer helpful  

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There is a way the vastness of the desert swallows up that which is petty or trivial

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and desert shadows call into question long held beliefs

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There is a way the cycle of the Moon in the desert sky sings of the inevitability of change

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and the desert rocks witness to that which is ancient and enduring

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There is a way that the desert holds my gaze and makes sure that I know the full cycle of life...

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includes death

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and that beauty is to be celebrated

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but not clutched

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The desert reminds me that light and dark are lovers

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and that what I may experience as a frightening storm, brings new perspectives

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There is a way the desert breaks me down to my essential self

and for that I am deeply grateful.

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all photos from my recent three week pilgrimage to Death Valley and The Trona Pinnacles, and last morning of the trip camping at Lake Isabella and watching the Full Moon set in the West right before sunrise.

Last modified on
Tagged in: desert moon Sun wind witch
Lizann Bassham was both an active Reclaiming Witch and an Ordained Christian Minister in the United Church of Christ. She served as Campus Pastor at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley working with a multi-faith student community. She was a columnist for SageWoman magazine, a novelist, playwright, and musician. Once, quite by accident, she won a salsa dance contest in East L.A. Lizann died on May 27, 2018.

Comments

  • Elizabeth Creely
    Elizabeth Creely Tuesday, 26 April 2016

    So beautiful, you, your discernment, the desert, everything. Let your work always be done.

    (I love the desert five spot.)

  • Lizann Bassham
    Lizann Bassham Tuesday, 26 April 2016

    Thank you Elizabeth!

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