essence
Two of my poems and one short story will be published this season.
I spent three months submitting my writing to various publications. I made it a daily habit to review my writing, make revisions, and seek further submission opportunities.
I spent roughly four hours a day for three months on this process.
I thought I would feel elated, proud, and fulfilled by the positive responses - I thought being published would give me a sense of security in my identity as a writer.
Well, it doesn’t.
I don’t care that I’m published. I don’t care that my work was accepted.
The most interesting part is what came back in the rejection letters. Over two-thirds of the publications responded to me, and each offered some feedback.
The main theme from all the editors is that my writing is strong, though the work does not fit; I do not suit the context.
I received the same feedback fifteen years ago when I was in university.
The identity of the writer has changed, though the essence of my writing is the same.
Identity is the thing you construct. It is the house you design and the clothes you decorate yourself with. It is how you introduce yourself and present yourself to the world.
Identity is not fixed; it is fluid.
Essence is the opposite. It’s the thing inside you, the sensation few will touch, though all may (unconsciously) perceive. It’s the subtle intent behind every action.
Essence is eternal.
And I am damn proud of my stubborn, twenty-something self, who knew to step sideways and ignore the not-so-subtle hints of my work not belonging.
Bless that young woman for having a strong tether to her essence—this allowed her to disregard the opinions of authority figures.
She also knew to invest her time in yoga, travel, education, tedious challenges, humility projects, and teachers who adhered to the same value system before picking up the pen again.
Now, I’m looking at the thirty-something woman, wondering where my work will be placed in the world.
The question lingers, and it is a delight to have an ongoing quest to invest my energy!
Sending you a blessing,
Seraphina
Zoom Yoga
KRIYA VINYASA - WEDNESDAY
7am pst | 10am est | 4pm cet | 5pm trt
KUNDALINI YOGA - SATURDAY
8am pst | 11am est | 5pm cet | 6pm trt
These classes are open for everyone to attend.
Please email me directly if you want to be added to the weekly Zoom link list.
Poetry
Corpse Pose
Your smile hangs upside down. A crooked portrait. Askew. I’ve tied a handkerchief around my shoulders. It won’t help, you utter into the wind. Your hands are occupied with the chopsticks. I am anxious with desire, flicking ashes into the empty room.
Do you have ice? I will always say yes to you. Desire is as potent as sunflowers nursing before the sun. You pinch me. Your arm hair is so dark. Longing: I sit up a little straighter. I’ve removed all the nail polish from my toes. The impression is still there: lashes of red inside the milk.Are you in love with me? I mouth over and over. The painting falls—notes tucked in the lining of the canvas. The ink has faded. I spread the paper on my thighs and squint. Trying is the real practice. You put slivers of ginger and wasabi on my tongue. I won’t swallow. I let it burn.
My wounds punctured, and I sleep standing up.
— Seraphina Dawn
CURRENTLY
What I’m consuming:
◇ Hazelnuts and Spanish wine.
What I’m doing:
◇ Seva: cleaning up garbage in a park with a friend.
What I’m practicing:
◇ Kriya for Circulation and Glands.
Quote of the Week:
“To discover how to be relaxed, and yet intensely alive, is hard work.”
Diane Long
1 question to brew on:
Where have you placed yourself (or your work) in the world?