Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? | Not only for a second or two | Have you looked with great focus | Into the purest, most whole part of you?

My Soul, Seen | A photo of Melanie JaneSubscribe now “What is your superpower?” My college professor asked, her words cutting through a silent classroom. I stared with glazed eyes as my mind scrambled to find coherent words to speak before the class.Internal banter arose… Focus, Melanie Pick up a folder or two Stall as long as you can Slow your heart rate, Breathe.Oh no, it is time, She called on you. Stand up from your chair, In front take your place.My hands gripped the podium and I began a...

Up There | Amid the clouds |

Against an Ancient Pillar | Thoughts from a newfound favorite place |

Of Doors It Had Three | A photo by Melanie JaneSubscribe now Before me stood a church Of doors, it had three. One stood open The others, blocked off.As if they were painted Depicted to be But did not exist in reality.Its facade was something of wonder Exquisite. Pristine. Of late Baroque style Exciting for the eyes to see.I sat at a cafe. A stop along my way. I had just listened to an interesting note from the audio guide about the town I was exploring that day. Erected in 1658 - a true relic...

The Cascade | A photo by Melanie JaneSubscribe now Recently I had the opportunity to sit at a few beaches along the Pacific Ocean’s coastline in California. Being near a body of water is always a calming, tranquil and meditative experience for me. My system mesmerized by the flow of the waves and the sounds they create. Invigorating to the senses.While waves can be aggressive and chaotic, from the outside looking in I find them truly serene. That endless abundant flow creeping itself toward y...

Off On A Journey | A sketch by Melanie JaneSubscribe now Wheels up Fly In the air Touch down Pause Take a moment to see what passes by.Wheels again Air Ground Feet.Bags Check Step forward Stay.Eyes down Eyes up There it is, That way.Off on a journey Somewhere to be Off and away Where next will my eyes see?

The Shift | A photo taken by a friend of Melanie Jane | Wayanad, Kerala, IndiaSubscribe now I used to love looking into snow globes when I was young. A glimpse into a new world. A place where imagination could run wild. Inside that tiny little globe, there was a sense of infinite possibility. Unicorns could exist. Snowmen could speak. Humans could fly. A child-like sense of joy seemed to always exist there.Sometimes I ponder why it feels so much easier to see and believe in possibilities in f...

Chipped Paint | A sketch by Melanie JaneSubscribe now A being that feels brittle As if it could wither away Like chipped paint, it is crumbling And cracking today.A small piece here A large one there It is chipping, but I am whole I can heal its decay.I can go to the store I can purchase sandpaper and paint I can break the wound down And soothe it today.I can clean it and prep Get it ready for its new coat I can apply that fresh paint Let it dry for the day.As time then goes on Others may not...

Mother Theresa of Kolkata Mosaic | A photo by Melanie Jane | Kolkata, IndiaSubscribe now Sun in the sky Immersed in the field Tending to the crop Working tirelessly to ensure yield.Sat at a desk. By the hands, a keyboard is grazed Eyes fixated on the screen Committed to the work, no matter the hour of the day.Stood in front of a crowd Podium grasped with the hand to the right Glancing at notes from time to time Striving to inspire or delight.Feet behind the line Awaiting the go Ready to take ...