Meditate and medicate

A satirical poem lifting the wellness curtain

Shannon was a vinyasa yoga teacher who held cacao ceremonies on her farm
On Vashon Island a quick ferry ride away from Seattle

“Breathwork will save you!” 
We inhaled for 4, held for 7, exhaled for 8 

“Dance like no one’s watching!” 
We danced and danced until the sun set, 
then we started howling 
howling, shrieking and exclaiming 

“Now let us receive the cacao!” 
The earthy aroma filled our circle and we  
sat in meditative silence,
bitter warmth coating our tongues then throats,  
hearts quickening 
I felt a euphoric release, like the world’s sweetest exhale
then an energetic rush
that propelled me to my feet

We danced and danced and danced the night away
And had coffee in Shannon’s kitchen
where her pot of cacao sat alongside 
two empty bottles of Xanax and Adderall