What’s so healing about nature, is that she doesn’t ask anything of us.
She’s just herself, beautiful, powerful, life-giving and affirming. She teaches without words, can remind you of what you need to know, and reflects your own image most beautifully. Judgement doesn’t exist, and she is so comfortable with death, for she knows it sustains and brings new life. She is our greatest teacher and healer, a warrior, a sage, a priest, an artisan, a king, a servant. We know not all she has left to tell us. As words fail, our pure light shines out. And so, I rest in that light. ... There is no place to get to, there is just where you are, and your willingness to have more experience.
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I came across this poem from a friend, and offer it to you, written by Catherine M. O'Meara. It captures something that I believe is always present, amidst the present day shared experience of oceanic waves of emotions and thoughts, but ultimately, leaving room for personal and universal transformation.
````````````````````````````` And people stayed at home And read books And listened And they rested And did exercises And made art and played And learned new ways of being And stopped and listened More deeply Someone meditated, someone prayed Someone met their shadow And people began to think differently And people healed. And in the absence of people who Lived in ignorant ways Dangerous, meaningless and heartless, The earth also began to heal And when the danger ended and People found themselves They grieved for the dead And made new choices And dreamed of new visions And created new ways of living And completely healed the earth Just as they were healed. ```````````````````````````` I have found myself running the gambit, Initially I started out thinking I had a handle on some of the meaning of what we are experiencing within the pandemic of 2020. I thought that I had an honorable wide-reaching intention of supporting the greater world, not fully conscious of what would be coming to the surface nor able to see from a multidimensional point of view. As the pandemic has grown, coming closer to my own community, I have had experiences ranging from discovering inner strength and fortitude, joy in overcoming challenges and awakening into new realizations, to being struck by fear and grasping to remain economically, socially, and emotionally safe and supported. Within all of it, a vastness of human experience, struggle and potential. Ultimately, I think it's all necessary experience, and a moment to moment unfolding of how we work within ourselves as well as a society to bring about change through learning and growth. The pandemic itself, seems to have it's own power, as though it were an entity created by our shared fears, beliefs and blocks against a deeper knowing. But the most consistent experience that I have had, has been growth. I have experienced a breaking down of my over-developed ego, and growth by discovering my own light, right to be here, and right to love and be loved. On some days, I have been moved to experience an almost limitless patience available within myself, as well as hidden gems of wisdom offered to friends in need. But I have also experienced myself acting out of fear and urgency, supporting the feeling of not being connected to the All, and that of 'not enough' and 'not worthy.' At other times, I have found the courage to move right into my emotions and thoughts, creating space to kindly extrapolate what has been hidden within. The experience is far from over, but I find myself continually coming into light. I am grateful to find that I have greater potential than I realized, blessed to be patient and compassionate with myself and others, rightly humbled when I fall so short, but uprighted again in the sweetness of an understanding friend. I know I am limited in my greater understanding, only able to see through my own lens. And I have only been able to see a certain degree of other people's suffering before having to say, 'that's enough.' But there is something lovely too in noting my limits, and what I am willing and able to take on. Fortunately, I remain blessed, for my basic needs are being cared for and what seems to be presenting is to show up fully with what is in front of me, and saying 'yes' to opportunities to be of service as they come. And so I share with you: may we do our best to be in right relationship to ourselves and the greater community that surrounds us. May we be patient with ourselves and each other for our old well-worn patterns. May we be willing to see and act differently. And may we cultivate the ability to remain present, feel our hearts, do our best in service to all, and may the 'all' include ourselves. I have been having many discussions as of late, on the experiences and belief patterns surrounding the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and how we have been affected, not just physically and financially, but emotionally, relationally and spiritually. I have witnessed a myriad of opinions, responses and questions, amidst my own. It is interesting to see how we are responding as a culture, the great impact of the social climate on the individual, and the importance of community and breaking down previously held barriers with the eye of compassion and inquiry. We seem to be coming together, breaking through established boundaries we have set to help each other. Seeing this as a great equalizer can provide the impetus to propel us forward into new ways of thinking and behaving. Meanwhile, I also witness that we are individually being shown opportunities to look more deeply at our challenges, as they become heightened under pressure from either being in solitude for great periods of time, or forced together without an outlet. Things we have taken for granted and relied upon have been stripped away to some extent, and we are faced looking for creative ways of living and viewing the world. One of the challenges that has been presented to me, has been looking at what and where is my place to give, and how. So many helpful hands, and what is my offering? Sometimes, I recognize myself feeling guilty, not knowing where my place is to give. Sorting through my feelings I notice that some ways of in which I intend to give, comes from a place of 'suppose to', 'should,' 'guilt,' 'fear.' None of which are grounded in authenticity. Perhaps a more simple, and undervalued way of showing up and being of service, is simply being with what is in the moment. Often, it's as simple as presence when a loved one is speaking, listening with my heart, slowing down in a time requiring patience, and sometimes doing what I don't enjoy, but is necessary. A teaching, brought to me about True Compassion, has been a helpful tool in the navigating of how I can best be of service to others, as well as myself. The following tenants have been helpful for such navigation and helps me stay in right relationship to myself and others.
True Compassion: First-seeing where the person is. Pausing from our own perspective and seeing the other in their own personal growth trajectory. Second-understanding where they are. This, an opportunity to honor both ourselves as well the other, by drawing upon our own capacities of what we have learned to date, and in our hearts, kindly inquire to gain a better understanding of the challenge at hand. The willingness to be curious, opens a door of learning and kind inquiry into another persons world. Third-seeing the perfection in where they are. I often skip this step, in wanting to 'fix' or 'help,' while forgetting we are all here for one main purpose-learning and growth. When I attempt to 'fix' I rob someone of the opportunity for their self understanding and growth. What I am really doing, is managing my own discomfort in seeing someone else's challenge. However, they have just as many resources and are as intricately a part of our collective Divine Web. So, what is the problem? What is the rush? There are no mistakes, just learning and growth. Fourth-and equally as hard-doing nothing unless asked. Far too many times I help so that 'I' can feel of value, when the other is not asking for, and perhaps not needing the help. I do my best, to ask, 'what is the True need here? What we can do is just help someone get unstuck, so that they can take a step forward again. Finally, five-stop at the first sign of resistance. I have learned that when I go too far, I get pushed away. It usually feels sticky, and what I am really saying to them is, 'I don't believe you can do this on your own' or 'I don't believe you are smart enough to 'get it right.' Also, offering more information or assistance than asked is breaking a boundary of even if the intention is love. Almost all of us have a limit to how much we can receive before experiencing discomfort. And we have all had the experience of 'too much information' for we can only integrate so much at a time, I feel most comfortable with those I feel accepted by, safe to commune with, safe to have the challenges that I have, a sense that I am enough where I am. I learn with them that I can speak up for what I need and want, and if they are capable, they offer what they have learned. I feel respected by those who are helping me, in that they communicate without words, they trust my process, and really, trust me. Slowly, I am learning to trust my instincts on how to give and receive. I am challenged, daily, on compassion, true compassion, and what is in my hands to offer. The teachings offer me pillars to live by, thereby making it less likely for me to burn out from over giving. It may also give me more time to do my own work, develop the capacity of patience amidst others struggling, and honoring other peoples process as they learn and grow through their unique challenges. I am learning to trust in the innate potentiality within each person. Of course, every day I stumble, but the tenants provide guidance, on how to best show up, and be of service, in a way that includes both others, as well as my own joy and wellness. |
AuthorAs a person who is highly interested in the inner landscape through interaction with the external, I find it invaluable to express these experiences. Here, a collection of musings; experiments, potential truths, and ultimately, my unique pathway of creative learning and growth. Blog and website edited by scholar, literary enthusiast, horticulturist and friend Peter Dryden.
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