🌑 ᎤᏓᎷᎸᏔ — through the dark lens I walk with steady breath.The night wraps

🌑 ᎤᏓᎷᎸᏔ — through the dark lens I walk with steady breath.

The night wraps around me, but my spirit stays lit like ember‑fire.

ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (deep night) teaches strength, not fear.

In the shadows, my ancestors move with me.

In the quiet, my power returns.

In the dark lens, I remember who I am.

ᎤᏃᎴᏫ ᎤᏁᎬᎢ — wind and blackness — circle me, but my heart stays bright.

I rise. I breathe. I stand.

🌑🔥🖤🌬️🌙

Georgia Smith

I am Cherokee

6/9 Edited to

... Read moreWalking through the deep night has always been a profound experience for me, much like the reflective journey described here. When the world grows dark and silence envelops everything, I find an unexpected sense of peace and clarity. Embracing the dark lens mentioned welcomes me to slow my breath and steady my mind, a practice that has helped me reconnect with my roots and inner strength. The imagery of ember-fire glowing within despite surrounding shadows reminds me that light is not only external but also deeply internal. This internal glow, fueled by ancestral wisdom and personal resilience, becomes a guiding force. When I feel the wind and blackness swirling around me, rather than fear, I see an opportunity to stand firm and rise above challenges, much like the spirit of Cherokee teachings conveys. Like the poem suggests, the night teaches strength, not fear. It is in silence and stillness where I listen to the wisdom of those who came before me. This connection is vital—it reminds me of identity and purpose, much like the phrase "In the dark lens, I remember who I am." This feeling of ancestral presence provides courage to face life's uncertainties. In my personal practice, I incorporate moments of quiet meditation at night, allowing the darkness to become a sacred space of empowerment rather than something to dread. Feeling connected to my lineage and embracing the metaphor of ember-fire has transformed how I perceive difficult moments. It made me realize strength comes not from avoiding darkness but walking through it with steady breath and an open heart. Ultimately, this poetic reflection serves as a beautiful reminder that despite the challenges darkness may bring, the soulful light carried from within and from our ancestors is what truly sustains us. The lessons of deep night encourage us all to breathe, rise, and stand with strength.