Shaped By Fire by Laurel D. Rund

 

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Embracing the Journey: The Story Behind ‘Shaped by Fire’

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that life’s most challenging moments are often the ones that shape us the most—much like molten glass formed and transformed by intense heat. “Shaped by Fire” is a poem born from my own journey through trials, growth, and healing.

In this poem, I share the metaphor of being like glass—fragile yet resilient—cracked but still whole. Each fracture, each shard, carries light and color, revealing the unique beauty and strength within. It’s a reflection of how our struggles, losses, and joys intertwine to create the vibrant tapestry of our souls.

This piece is my invitation to you: to embrace your own path of transformation, to see the divine intention woven through your experiences, and to recognize the radiant light that exists within you, no matter how many times life’s flames have shaped you.

Join me in this heartfelt reflection on resilience, hope, and the power of embracing who we truly are.  Namaste,  Laurel

   

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Shaped by Fire

Like molten glass, we twist and flow,

Born of heat where fierce flames glow.

Shaped by fire, cracked yet whole,

Unseen strength lies within each soul.

Fractured prisms catch the gleam,

Casting rainbows in a radiant stream.

No path repeated, none the same,

Each life a spark, uniquely framed.

Hearts ablaze, some draped in red,

Others wear sky blue instead.

We journey on with spirits high,

Beneath the endless starlit sky.

We are divine, forged in blaze,

Holding moments none can erase.

Filled with colors, joy, and strife—

A weave of love and vibrant life.

Golden embers shed starlit tears,

Spring buds awaken through the years.

Colors weaving, together they’re one,

A dance of souls beneath the sun.

We are vessels breathed from sacred fire,

Cracks hold keys to deep desire.

Our colors swirl in flowing streams,

Souls aglow with hope-filled dreams.

Alive with love and radiant light,

Filled with faith and hope in sight.

Together rising, strong and alive—

A rainbow of souls standing in pride.

Shaped by fire, we find a way,

When fractured light turns night to day.

Each shining fragment, bold and clear,

Divine intention has brought us here.

Laurel D. Rund 7/2025

The Bench Beckons, Where Stillness Speaks by Laurel D. Rund

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The Bench Beckons: A Personal Reflection

Sometimes, the most profound invitations in life don’t come with fanfare. They arrive quietly—like a whisper on the wind, or the gentle pull of a weathered bench beneath an old tree. That’s how The Bench Beckons came to me—not as a dramatic calling, but as a subtle nudge to pause, to breathe, to listen.

In the stillness of that moment, I began to notice things I often rushed past: the rustle of leaves, the hush between heartbeats, the sacred space between doing and simply being. This piece grew from that stillness—from the stories a bench might hold, and the ones I continue to live.

As I approach a new season in my life, turning 80 this year, I find myself drawn more deeply to the spaces that ask nothing of me but my presence. The Bench Beckons is a reflection on those spaces, and the quiet truths they reveal when we finally sit still long enough to hear them.  Namaste,  Laurel

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The bench beckons.

I hear it whisper—

“Be still. Stay for a while.”

I pause.

There is something sacred in its quiet invitation.

As I sit beneath the canopy of an old, sheltering tree,

the world softens. The noise recedes.

Time stretches wide like the sky beyond the branches.

This bench, worn smooth by sun and rain, has held more than just souls.

It has cradled conversations, confessions, quiet tears, and the hush of awe.

Rooted beside this wise old tree, it holds memory like the earth holds seeds—

tucked away, but still alive.

I close my eyes and listen.

The tree creaks softly in the breeze,

and the bench begins to speak—not in words,

but in the language of presence.

A woman once sat here with a letter in her hand—

unsent yet visited like a sacred place.

A child once climbed its arms, laughing with a crust of bread in one hand,

while a hungry bird waited patiently on the ground below.

An old man came regularly, settling in to watch the horizon—

greeting the sunrise as if it were an old friend.

And now, here I am.

My own memories rise like mist from morning grass.

Moments I thought long faded drift gently back—

Grief softened by time.

Love that still glows like an ember.

Questions that have found their peace

in simply being unanswered.

I breathe in.

I let it all belong.

And as I sit, I sense I, too, am leaving something behind—

a quiet imprint, an offering of presence.

A note, unwritten but understood,

tucked gently into the hush between the leaves:

“I was here. I listened. I remembered.”

One day, someone else will find this bench—

drawn by the same hush, the same invitation.

They’ll sit. They’ll breathe.

They’ll remember themselves.

The bench will welcome them.

The tree will offer shade.

And the stillness will hold it all—

the presence, the pause, the remembering.

In time, the empty bench will beckon others,

intertwining its offerings.

And the Universe, vast and eternal, goes on.

Laurel D. Rund

 

The Quiet Hour by Laurel D. Rund

 

The Quiet Hour: A Reflection in Image and Word

Sometimes an image won’t leave me—it lingers quietly in my mind, asking to be brought into form. That’s what happened here. Long before the words arrived, I saw the essence of this piece taking shape: a feeling, a vision, something unspoken but persistent. So I followed it, letting the artwork lead the way.

Only after creating the image did the words begin to flow. Not forced, but gently—like they had been waiting for the right moment to speak. Together, the art and the poem hold something reflective, something real. A moment of stillness. A glimpse of what lives beneath the surface of everyday life.

I share it with you from that place of quiet knowing. May it meet you gently, and offer a pause to reconnect with your own inner rhythm.

With heart,

Laurel Diane

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An empty chair.

An open umbrella.

The last light of day spilling across the sand.

Footprints have faded.

The shore is still.

Only the hush of waves—

the soft breath of evening.

The moment stretches wide,

steeped in timelessness.

The chair invites reflection, not rest—

a pause to witness,

to wonder,

to simply be.

Where did the day go?

What remains unspoken?

What waits to rise in the silence?

As the sun drifts toward the horizon,

time loosens its grip.

And for one breathless moment,

nothing more is needed.

Laurel D. Rund

As I Walk Into This Day by Laurel D. Rund

 

The morning greets me with a hush, a shimmer, and a path bathed in light.

I step forward not with answers, but with presence.

The garden does not ask anything of me—

it simply offers its colors, its warmth,

its quiet knowing.

Every flower, every leaf leans toward the sun as if to say,

“You belong here.”

The light streaming through the trees feels like a blessing from the earth itself,

as though nature is gently encouraging me to begin again.

I breathe it in.

Not everything needs to be solved today.

Some days are meant for noticing—

the curve of a petal,

the softness of air,

the way hope hides in plain sight.

With each step, something within me softens.

The beauty around me seeps inward,

quietly nudging me back to wholeness.

I walk slowly, letting the moment unfold.

There is grace in this stillness—

a kind of remembering.

I am alive.

I am becoming.

I am being renewed.

Laurel D. Rund

4/10/2025

I Am An Abstract By Design

 

I AM ....

DETACHED

Free from expectation, I grow with each moment, releasing what no longer serves me. Detachment grants clarity—freedom not as escape, but as space to grow. I am a thread woven into existence, a living canvas where each stroke tells the story of my life.

 

CONNECTED

Rooted in strength, I draw energy from the world around me. The universe moves through me, steady and constant. I rise, endure, and move forward with purpose. Even in solitude, I am never alone…woven from stardust, connected to the cosmos, a reflection of something greater. My light reaches beyond me, illuminating unseen paths for myself and others.

 

I AM ....

GRIEVING

Loss shapes me, but it does not define me. I carry sorrow with dignity, honoring the love that remains. Grief reveals my depth—my ability to feel, remember, and cherish. Through the ache, I find meaning; in tears, I discover healing. I mourn, yet move forward, carrying the light of those I have lost within me.

 

COURAGEOUS

I face the unknown with an open heart, knowing that every challenge, fall, and doubt is another step toward becoming. Strength is not the absence of fear but the willingness to walk through it. I stand firm, press on with grit, and rise—always, I rise.

  

I AM ....

FEARFUL

Fear does not weaken me; it fortifies me. It is the shadow that makes my light shine brighter, the challenge that calls forth my courage. I acknowledge my fear but do not bow to it. Step by step, I move forward, proving that even in uncertainty, I am resilient.

 

POWERFUL

My strength is steady, my presence unwavering. Power is not just force—it is the quiet certainty within, the relentless spirit that refuses to break. I am resilience in motion, a creator of possibility, limitless in potential. I carve my own path

  

I AM ....

AGING

Every line on my face tells a story, every step carries the wisdom of experience. Time refines, strengthens, and deepens my purpose, connecting me to my soul’s essence. I walk through life’s changing seasons, knowing that each moment enriches my spirit and affirms my truth.

 

INSPIRING

My journey extends beyond myself—it radiates outward, illuminating the way for others. Through my strength, struggles, and triumphs, I become a guiding light for those seeking their own truth. I live boldly, love deeply, and rise with unwavering determination. My presence ignites hope, my words and art inspire courage, and my essence embodies strength and grace.

 

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THE ART OF BECOMING ... AN ABSTRACT BY DESIGN

I am all of these things…fluid yet grounded, vulnerable yet strong, grieving yet courageous.  I Am An Abstract by Design, constantly evolving, shaping my existence with intention. A fusion of light and depth, I move through time with tenacity, leaving a lasting imprint on the world around me.   Laurel D. Rund

Quiet Discoveries: Awakening My Inner Magnificence

I recently participated in a guided meditation that took me on a journey to a quiet realm of self-discovery and inner calm. The session began with deep, intentional breathing and gentle instructions that helped me let go of daily distractions and enter a space of mindful presence.

 

As I relaxed, I visualized a small stream winding its way through a peaceful forest. The water, illuminated by soft sunlight filtering through the leaves, created a setting that was both simple and profoundly soothing. Standing by the stream, I listened to the gentle murmur of the water and the subtle rustle of leaves—a natural invitation to sink deeper into inner calm.

 

In that reflective moment, I looked into the clear water and saw more than just my physical image. I recognized my own magnificence—a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty that reside within me. This insight filled me with gratitude and hope, reaffirming that every pause and every mindful breath can help uncover the limitless potential within.

 

What made the meditation truly meaningful was its ability to connect me with both the natural world and my inner self. It was a reminder that moments of stillness are opportunities to embrace clarity, renew our purpose, and rediscover our inner light.

 

May this reflection inspire you to pause, breathe, and explore the depths of your own being, discovering the radiant energy that lights your way every day.

Within the Heart: A Light-Filled Transformation

Deep within the heart, beyond the noise of the world and the weight of expectation, there exists a sacred cocoon—a place of stillness, woven from love, hope, and the quiet magic of transformation. It is here, in this tender sanctuary, that your soul prepares for flight.  

Though the world may spin with urgency, within, there is peace. A space where you are held, nurtured, and known. This cocoon is not a prison; it is a promise. It does not rush the butterfly’s arrival, nor does the seed demand the flower to bloom before its time.  

You, too, are evolving in ways unseen, in rhythms beyond measure. Growth is happening, even in the stillness. And within that stillness, light gathers—soft, radiant, eternal. With each breath of trust, the walls of your cocoon soften, making way for the wings you have yet to discover. 

 

And then—one day, effortlessly, as if answering an ancient call—you will rise. You will stretch toward the light, realizing it was within you all along. And in that moment, you will step fully into the brilliance of who you are.  

Laurel D. Rund

The Light Within

As the New Year unfolds, I feel the steady, profound glow of the light within me. It is a light that has deepened with time—not the fleeting spark of youth, but a lasting flame, strengthened by wisdom and formed by the experiences that have shaped me. This light carries the story of my journey, the lessons I’ve embraced, and the love I’ve both received and shared.

At this stage of life, as an elder, I am called to honor this radiant light—not merely as a gift, but as a sacred responsibility. It is my guide, and it shines for others who may seek its warmth. This light holds the essence of all I’ve learned, the strength I’ve nurtured, and the spiritual connection that binds me to my divine source.

Now is the time for reflection, deeper growth, and for celebrating the fullness of who I am—both human and spiritual, finite and infinite. My light isn’t diminished by age; rather, it is refined and magnified by the truths I’ve uncovered and the love I’ve cultivated. With each passing year, it grows clearer, warmer, and more powerful.

As I step into this New Year, I move forward with intention, grace, and profound trust in this inner light. It will guide not only my own path but will radiate outward, illuminating the way for others. This light is a reminder that my growth is ever unfolding, and the wisdom I’ve gained will serve as a guiding force for the journey ahead. 

Laurel D. Rund

Radiance - My 2025 White Stone Word

This year, I choose to embody light—steady, kind, and unwavering. Radiance isn’t about being flawless; it’s about showing up with presence and intention. It’s embracing who I am, letting go of what dims my spirit, and standing confidently in my truth.

 

Radiance is cultivated through small, meaningful acts: pausing to breathe, finding joy in the everyday, and extending kindness when it’s least expected. It’s about aligning with my purpose, staying connected to what matters most, and trusting that my light has the power to inspire others.

 

In 2025, I’ll let my light guide me through challenges and remind me of the beauty in every moment. By choosing to reflect the divine within, I hope to illuminate those around me and encourage others to do the same.

Laurel D. Rund