how do i meet the arrival
of the emotions that are difficult to bear?

will the trance of anger, greed, doubt . . .
cause the temporary loss of reason
or can peace prevail?

in the space between trigger and response
is where my possibilities are still infinite
before the hasty word is spoken, the unkind act unleashed

so take a breath
and another . . .

cherish the moment of freedom of the space between
cherish the ability to choose
a response that aligns with my dearest values

it is in these small moments
that the quality of all our lives are shaped