Release

In the monastery, before the meal,

we pause and let go.

We release hunger and expectation,

the weight of yesterday,

the grasping for tomorrow.

This food arrives freely—

from earth, rain, sun,

and countless unseen hands.

We receive it without ownership,

without demand,

knowing it will pass through us

as all things do.

As we eat,

may we loosen our grip

on fear and striving,

on names and burdens

we no longer need to carry.

Let this nourishment teach us freedom—

the freedom of enough,

the freedom of simplicity,

the freedom of a mind unbound.

May each bite be a practice

of release,

each breath an opening,

until nothing is held back

and the soul moves lightly,

fed and free.