A Loosened Fist

Everything was quiet under the soft purple glow. I stood upright on a smooth wooden plank, my left arm held high with fingers tightly curled. I took a steady breath, waited, and focused on that stiff fist. Slowly, the fingers relaxed and spread open. As my wrist gently turned, the little beaded bracelet around it shifted, its tiny round beads rolling cool against my skin. I lowered my hand just a bit, feeling the firm plank beneath my shoes. I am here, standing on my own.