Oh... the Places We Have Been

Oh the stories this body could tell. Oh… the places we have gone together.
The warm new pavement under the hands as knees as I move along the side walk, freshly poured. 
The running through wet grass in barefoot as I love the wide open space of my grandparents farm.
The sharp blow of the hammer on my 12 year old thumb as I set to prevent the farm be sold and torn down.
The full body fatigue of a teenager having paddled for hours upon hours down the lakes and rivers of Keji National Park with my school mates. The warm sun having beaten on our skin. The water lapping over our hands with each paddle stroke as we search for the campsite. 
The leap from the outer edge of the blade of my skate as I do yet another turn in the air and land on the opposite blade. 

The many steps, one foot in front of the other, with the load of a seven day canoe trip, clothing, and canoe on my shoulders. 

The countless miles of pedalling through the trees, along the paths and roadways.

The gracious movements of the years of climbing that flowed through my limbs, perfectly coordinated to achieve a new height or teach someone else.
The creation of new life and birthing it into the world, the recovery and rebirth of the body itself after the invasive surgery necessary to bring that life, that new body, into the world. 
The hours of postures, of standing, twisting, seated postures cultivating and shaping the next moment.
Surely this body is miraculous in all it has shared with me… the amazing sunrises and sunsets we have journeyed through together. The hugs I have given and received, only experiencing the world around through the eyes, ears, nose, and touch of this body. 
Not surprising I resist the aging that is to come. 

As I awake, it is the moment to remember, and to honour this companion, this puppet that expresses my soul in the world. I smooth the oil on my skin, provide my taste buds with tasty, healthy food full of nutrients and love. I allow the gentle touch of a massage to soften and release the muscles. 

May this friend that embraces my very essence, continue to stay with me, and share many more experiences to come.