Breathe. I command myself to focus on the words ShemaThe most central prayer in Jewish liturgy, the Shema states: "Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God, the Lord is One." These words are written inside mezuzot and t'fillin. It is traditionally said during all major services and when waking and going to sleep. Yisrael, to drink
In literal life breath, to drink in calm that winds me down,
Presence is what we call it, all that’s promised
And delivered in this single moment. Release—Adonai Eloheinu—air and trust in
Breath, that another intake will calm, will sooth
Out your jagged soul—Adonai Echad. Breathing commands of the mind
Peace, shalom, so you may next spread Peace outward
Like Breath.
