Structures That Strangle & Stretch – S.C. Downey

Deconstructing patterns and stories is hard as hell… 
the hell we create by needing to be right. 

The way we fight to defend that which we believe… 
believe to be real and true about the world. 

We cling desperately to a story… 
any story that makes us feel less alone. 

We reach for the nearest branch… 
in order not to drown in uncertainty. 

The longer we cling… 
the longer we stay stuck. 

Life is supported by a powerful current…
a current that will carry us where we need to go to arrive home.  

It takes courage to let go, to trust… 
to reach before knowing what will keep us afloat. 

Those who endure and enjoy the journey… 
build strong rafts from gratitude, love, faith, friends and family. 

Our lifeline is weakened… 
by indifference, righteousness, judgment, cruelty and hate. 

We do have a choice… 
and may not find ourselves alone, clambering when the branch breaks. 

Reach bravely for that which you care about most… 
trust and know you are safe. 

Never give up on what is deeply real… 
be curious and dance with wonder. 

Every bug, leaf and bog is filled with extraordinary complexity… 
and you are no exception. 

You belong and you are valued beyond measure… 
by a magnitude that stretches from a single cell to an ever-expanding universe. 

Hold on, let go… 
and reconstruct from the inside out. 

Everything you need is within… 
without a doubt. 




S.C. is a bookseller at Powell’s City of Books in Portland and a dedicated lifelong learner. She believes in serendipitous moments leading people to books that can alter their life. She is honored to facilitate those connections or maybe just help make someone’s day a little brighter. Inspired by so many others, she enjoys sharing through creative expression in images, writing and spoken word.

1 Comment

  1. Beautiful and inspiring like the mysterious world we step into during uncertain times.
    Reminds me of someone I know and miss.

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