A Koan for Me & You

Don’t waste your time on earth
doing the work of others.
Do your own work.
The sweat of your soul,

The lightness in the center of your heart
will tell you
when you are on course.

The swiftness of your breath
will slow to match
the tidal pull of moonlight.

You will ski effortlessly
down the slope of each day
calling your own name
softly to the trees.

-Elizabeth Carlson, Don’t Waste Your Time