*If you were triggered by my piece please read through this taking deep breaths. Pausing after each stanza to reflect. Focus on your breathing to center yourself*

 

You are not alone in this struggle, collectively we are powerful beyond measure.

You are loved even as we struggle, collectively we are powerful beyond measure.

Your emotions are real and valid. You can feel the depth and strength and complexity of your emotions rise and fall with your breath.

You are valuable and collectively we are powerful beyond measure.

The fact that you feel this pain, this sorrow, this anger means that despite all the hate and despair your remain in touch with your humanity, you remain empathetic. Our empathy makes us beautiful.

You are beautiful and collectively we are powerful beyond measure.

This empathy may allow you to feel pain in this moment but remember that empathy is your heart seeing itself in another. It is the same empathy that allows you to feel love.

As you continue to take deep breaths, remember again that you are loved; that you are not alone.

You feel because you are human and you refuse to give up your capacity to love.

Know that bearing witness to pain of others is part of the responsibility of all humans.

Know that the first step to processing our own pain is recognizing that it is there, that it is valid and we deserve to process it.

If you are reading this you are loved and together we are powerful beyond measure.

As you continue to take deep breaths, focus of each breath.

Focus on the rise and fall of your chest.

Imagine the tension leaving your body slowly with each breath.

Imagine each intake of breath brings in all the love of universe and each exhale dispels a little bit of fear.

You are beautiful and together we are powerful beyond measure.

Imagine each intake of breath brings in all the love of universe and each exhale dispels a little bit of fear.

Repeat the phrase: I am beautiful, I am not alone and together we are powerful beyond measure. Until you feel centered.

 

 

 

I recognize that my art may be triggering to some people, some of the time. The purpose of this piece, like most of my pieces was three fold: to express and process my own emotions and to bring the issue home to people, both in an attempt to get some to recognize that they on still on the fence and to let those who have been thinking similar thoughts know that they are not alone. If you know me and are still upset by this piece, please feel free to reach out. I am open to talking this through with people.