Moments of the mundane
A cup of chai, cats, cheekbones, creativity, conversation, takeout sushi, and wrinkles of extraordinary inspiration.
“The ability to look deeply is the root of creativity. To see past the ordinary and mundane and get to what might otherwise be invisible.” - Rick Rubin
If they chop open my body, they will hear happiness in my heart. Find inspiration hidden in the wrinkles of an otherwise ordinary Friday. An invitation aligning in immaculate conception brightening magic in moments of the seemingly mundane; a shared smile, a soft inhale, a sigh of relief, a warm embrace.
If they chop open my body, they will find each moment unfolding with utmost devotion. A precise dose of faith to revitalize my sense of interest in the world, my work, my relationships, possibilities, the unknown, and myself.
If they chop open my body, they will find a cheerful cup of chai made with kind hands nestled in the corner café of a natural food store parked at the intersection of heartfelt and effortless where two dear friends reunited for a much-anticipated ritual.
If they chop open my body, they will find unguarded hearts sitting in conversation calibrating over steamy sensations of creativity, hopes, and dreams harmonizing with the raw tenderness of indecision and uncertainty in a candid and curious expression alluring us into intimacy in ways closer than a hug could bring us.
If they chop open my body, it will reveal the smirk from the young man behind the counter who, when asked, was delighted to split our big salad and simple soup for one into two, a kind, unsophisticated gesture.
If they chop open my body, they will find the creamy temptation of forbidden pieces of chocolate, the color of coffee with too much cream, speckled like a dairy cow with crunchy bits of toffee playfully laced into an appetizing heart-to-heart.
If they chop open my body, they will find Grey, a sleek slate cat I humbly stumbled upon resting on his hearth. A cat generous in design humored me as I, without hesitation, so forwardly placed my lips upon his forehead consuming him in moonlight kisses. Similar in taste when I would devour the delicious flavors of Jax.
If they chop open my body, they will find the reflection of Grey's bright eyes in mine, begging to be noticed, begging to be touched, begging to be understood. The same expansive emerald eyes of Jax – quarries grander than I'd ever swum, inviting me into the deep waters of my soul.
If they chop open my body, they will find a conversation with a man, a stranger once unknown to me. Now an individual sharing intimate details of wonder, affection, cheekbones, and inherited fatherly facial features.
If they chop open my body, you will see an eager and relaxed conversation among visitors turning grief and death into a common likeness and fondness, cats and dogs who go too soon and spoil our hearts. Parents who age and trading photos of the dearly departed. A shared knowing those we love are never absent, resting in the corner of the couch, buried in the earth of our hearts.
If they chop open my body, they will find a bruised heart glazed with surprise and agony, a bowl of gluten-free granola soaked in milky flavors of almond and vanilla, and a feeling of goodness and hope.
If they chop open my body, they will find the one who sees and is the Seer—who is aware and gets caught up, who is limited and limitless. Who questions the stories carved in stone and who breaks away at the bridge of beliefs.
If they chop open my body, they will find takeout sushi from Sushi Island wrapped in opaque feathers of ginger, the color of the soft setting sun.
If they chop open my body, they will see a vibrant tapestry of everyday life weaving together a marvelous mystery connecting us to the magic of its show.
If they chop open my body, they will find the signs and secrets presented to the receptive, open, and willing, special moments quickly glossed over – a splash of grace, a window of opportunity, a promise of desire in a subtle breeze.
If they chop open my body, they will find a wet blanket of sorrow close beside a well of warmth and love, gratitude for the extraordinary and exquisite, and spontaneous and unplanned joy.
If they chop open my body, they will find a string of blessings, artistry, and sculptures at the dead end of 27 and Powers that light the night of a usual front yard crafted and carved with care.
If they chop open my body, they will find prayer flags, a splash of color hanging over the entrance to the wood-burning fireside, illuminating the gateway into my soul.
This piece was written on February 25, 2023, the day after a typical yet extraordinary Friday, whose events and sensations influenced and orchestrated my experience into words.
It was also inspired and brought to life by Laurie Wagner, whose work I was introduced to the same day and who the next morning I listened as she read, If They Chop Open My Body, by Julia Alter, as a muse, prompt, and invitation for 15 minutes of uninterrupted wild, flow writing. Similar to the format of my Sunday writing group – Intuitive Writing for Women.
The woman and dear friend I write about and who helped make this day possible is my dear sister, mentor, and teacher, Monique Parker. Monique was visiting the Bay Area from her home in New Mexico. I first met Monique in 2018 when I took a solo and spontaneous trip to Taos, New Mexico. When I walked into Monique's once-yoga studio in the heart of Taos, I knew I walked into a sacred sanctuary, immediately at home and in the presence of someone and something special.
Monique is an extraordinarily creative artist and teacher of Vedic chanting and yoga therapy. Her wisdom, beauty, and teachings have impacted my life. If you are interested in her work, I encourage you to visit her website and Etsy shop.
Prompt
You might begin by writing with the following:
If they chop open my body…
Grab a pen and paper or your favorite journal. Set your timer. Write for 15 minutes, pen never leaving the page. See what words flow.
Comment if you try. I would love to hear about your journey and experience with intuitive flow writing!
Such beauty, Dina. This gave me a huge dose if inspiration. I enjoyed reading and imagining every word.
Last night this quote appeared in the book I’m currently reading: “If we opened people up, we'd find landscapes.” Reading it last night made me feel the magic and delight of being human.
I’m reminded of this quote now because your words today create similar feelings of magic and delight within me. You’ve reminded me that the simplest of moments, the blessings of daily life, somehow, some way, become grand canyon like landscapes inside us. Cheers to that. Love, Erin