I bow down to all the struggle and the grief that I’ve experienced in my life, for they have shown me what it means for things to be easy. 

I bow down to the loss of jobs, loss of friends and lovers for they have shown me what it means to  miss someone even if they don’t miss you. 

I bow down to the rejection that I’ve encountered and continue to do so for it has shown me what it feels like to be wanted and welcomed. 

I bow down to the loss of mobility for making me slow down and pay attention to things i wouldn’t have otherwise. 

I bow down to the tears that I’ve cried and continue to do so for they’ve shown me that I can water my own garden. 

I bow down to my walking frame for it has shown me that it’s ok to need support in order to keep on walking. 

I bow down to all the people that let me drown in the quicksand when I thought I was swimming in clear waters, for now I know how to reach the shore myself. 

I bow down to the betrayal and the cheating and the lies for they have shown me the filth that lives inside of me. 

I bow down to illness and the horrors it can bring for it has reminded me what it feels like to be healthy. 

I bow down to microwave meals for they reminded me the aliveness and vibrancy of a salad. 

I bow down to all the pain I’ve ever felt and continue to do so for it has shown me that pain and pleasure exist on a spectrum. 

I bow down to my legs not working as I want them to for they have shown me that I can always go far with a mind that’s curious. 

I bow down to the house I live in that has carried me like a womb in all the hardships, for it’s shown me that a cocoon is necessary in order to dissolve and be born again. 

I bow down to my parents’ neglect for i learned what true love and care is. 

I bow down to this body I have that doesn’t look like I want it to, for it has shown me that what I’m afraid of is already here. 

I bow down to every single person I’ve ever met that’s been a beacon for me in order to witness my shadows. 

I bow down to all the cats I’ve lived with for their absence reminded me that affection and tenderness are non negotiables in my life. 

I bow down to loss of any kind for it has shown me the abundance my life can hold. 

I bow down to all the versions of myself, across all timelines, across all space, for they carry me through this life, through thick and thin, with unwavering love and grace.

I bow down to the everlasting, deep and all consuming darkness, for without it I would have never searched for the warmth of the light.