Life. Death.

Life.

Death.

We tend to view life as linear. We are constantly running this race of life, aiming for the finish line. Hungry for rest. Thirsty for stillness. We run with passion. We run vigorously because we know what awaits us at the end is worth every step.

We run sluggishly. We drag to finish . Regardless of how we are running the race ; we are moving, flowing in one direction . One step after another. We run toward the end goal; the finish line of life. We may not have passed every obstacle on the way, but we did it . We made it. Rest. Peace .

Death.

Death disrupts our linear run. Death disrupts life; unhinges it. Suddenly, we are no longer running a race, but our soul has been suspended in the air as our bodies trudge forward; empty. Lost.
We scream out into the abyss of time, but the screams are silent. No one hears you. Emotions flood your every being and yet your body is empty; numb. You are hanging in this moment of time that doesn’t allow you to breathe. How is it we feel everything and nothing within the same breath.

Inhale . Exhale. Expel.

We long to empty our lungs because we’re drowning in tears of anguish and yet there’s nothing. Your body has continued walking the race. Others are running past you; zooms of lights flashing past ; not even looking in your direction. They’ve no idea the sorrow that lingers.
Death is merciless. Violent and cunning .

You inhale and fill your lungs willing your body to drift back. Your body is empty and your spirit too full. The two collide in an explosion. Rage meets sorrow, fear meets anguish, and the undeniable feeling of loss consumes the rest.

Life and Death.

Where is peace? Where is rest ? Stuck between feeling everything and nothing; we choose to feel nothing. Nothing is easier. Nothing hurts less, until time begins to pass and the lack of healing is evident. A body and spirit running on numbness will only run for so long. It is not a functional state.

So again, inhale and let the emotions flood the gates of your soul. It is only then that healing comes. Exhale and Feel the loss; the immeasurable loss. Feel the hurt, the writhing pain. Feel it. As you exhale, expel . Expel the weight, the burden. Day by day run the race and the steps become lighter . One foot in front of the other.

Rest awaits.