[vc_row content_placement=”top”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Sharing Spirits and Silence is Strength” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_custom_heading text=”By Y.A. Warren ” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1539826381424{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Download the article (pdf)[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Sharing Spirits

I feel that I am blessed by many tribes’ voices.
Foods have also been sacramental offerings
shared for a full week. Though I am unable
to do many tasks for food preparation,
several generations assisted.

Joy was the order of my every day.
We all sang together, though my tunes and lyrics often
disappeared half-remembered;
hilarity ensued. Charades is still fun
when full groups of families and friends are kind
enough to help to finish my thoughts.
What a celebration when the meeting
of the minds and words matched!

I am still recovering my ability to verbally communicate.
With many friends to help, Aphasia is not crippling.
I will remain true to my shared Sacred Spirits.

Silence As A Strength

I became mute several times in my life, several times because circumstances dictated.
I have clarified what I feel is important to communicate.
I feel that I become stronger through listening
and discovering other communication tactics.
When each utterance is attached to large energy expense,
we measure our communication carefully.

A sigh can say volumes.
Blood pressure is a better indicator of truth than is spoken language.
The very pulses in our brains and blood vessels communicate both
compassion and anxiety.
Even the young animals of our earth speak their needs in many ways.
Listen to the silence.

Aphasia is opening windows of community and communication in which
I hear my inner voice more clearly.
Silent dialogues often make my brain feel young again,
opportunities express themselves in new ways.
I must become better at pregnant pauses.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”author-about”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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