The term ‘sleepcast’ (coined by Headspace.com) is described as an audio / visual presentation, a ‘wind down’ & description of a relaxing environment… beginning in the present moment… the hum of traffic on Woodward drifts through the spring evening… the singing crystal bowls soundbath (by Healing Vibrations) ring out on my YouTube app… binaural beats, Om chanting, chakra soundscapes, burning sage, glowing candles, Shiva mantras… inhale, exhale, slow deep breaths while we meditate on my memories…
I met a guru by chance, as one does at Kehena Beach… he wore flowing robes & flowers & told me Shiva was the god of both marijuana & tobacco… he had just returned from a forbidden city in India… He grew his own medicine which he proudly displayed on the black sand, marveling at the glittering trichomes, inviting me to marvel as well, I agree I have seen none finer… He fills a bowl of his bounty & we smoke, watching the dolphins frolic, the drums from the Sunday drum circle pound with the surf… side by side we pass the bowl & gaze at the impossibly azure Pacific before us…
Kehena Beach is a clothing optional gathering spot of the seekers & celebrated on the Big Island… where hippies, WOOFers, & backpackers pick their way down a treacherous cliff side to the volcanic sands below…
The dolphins draw closer attracted by the drumming which in turn fuels the drummers… naked bronzed bodies writhe to the rhythms, a rainbow arcs overhead & the slightest rain mists through the sunshine… several dogs race down the length of the crashing Pacific… my guru friend leaves an offering to Shiva before departing… I watch the dance of the dolphins… inhaling the cleanest air on Earth… before I gently bring us back to the present moment… back to the city & street noise… if you feel like lingering on the beach you may do so… inhale, exhale, slow deep breaths… in your deep state of serenity…
Namaste.
Bio: James Schwartz is a poem, slam performer and author of various poetry collections including The Literary Party: Growing Up Gay and Amish in America (Kindle, 2011), Punatic (Writing Knights Press, 2019) & most recently Motor City mix (Alien Buddha Press, 2022)
Literaryparty.blogspot.com @queeraspoetry
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