There’s a treasure, right here, right now. An open secret. It’s closer than the breath, inside the breath, everywhere, and nowhere.

It’s called the pearl of great price for a reason–because we must surrender everything that is precious. Everything that we cling to. All that is most dear, most terrifying to let go of.

Even that precious cargo of suffering that we hide from the world and yet wear like a badge. That too, must go.

For this body-mind, it’s wanting to be special. Fearful of being left out. Frightened of being abandoned.

The shell has its own beauty, but it’s not needed any more. In order for the shell to crack and fall away, all of it must be set down.

© Skye Blaine, 2011