What would happen if security were not the point of our existence? That we find freedom, aliveness, and power not from what contains, locates, or protects us but from what dissolves, reveals, and expands us. –Eve Ensler
Beautifully written! I read this several times slowly to let it sink in: The idea that “the point of our existence is NOT security.” (brilliant!) And yes, how true: “We find freedom, aliveness and power…from what dissolves, reveals and expands us.” Breast cancer has included cursed days of wishing it were all a bad dream, but I can also say that it has brought gifts and certainly “expanded” me— even my heart! Throughout this journey, I’ve often described my heart as having grown 10 sizes. While I’ve always considered myself a compassionate person, I am more so now. I care deeply about people, especially those hurting. I’ve learned so much and this new found perspective has brought more clarity, gratitude and focus on the more essential things in life. I’ve “dissolved” too— by shedding pretenses, as well as expectations of life and people. Patience has been revealed in the quiet, waiting periods—sometimes between doctor appointments— where resilience springs. Life is a mystery for sure— but then it’s not. Part of the unknown, uncomfortable moments are just that: part of the experience, part of life! Imagine a life filled with only sunshine and blue skies. Would we not miss the rain? It too, offers beauty and without, absolutely nothing would grow. I’ve grown more during this rainy season than in any other time in my life.There are days, maybe I wouldn’t even change the occurrence of this monsoon if I could… the full life experience—- the tears and the brave face, the resolute and uncertain, the scars, sadness and loss, as well as the laughter, love, and hopefulness— and the willingness to accept it all! I say lean into life— the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discover what’s in each, and let yourself grow! The rainy season may pleasantly surprise you!
". . .and the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and JOYFUL, by which we arrive at the ground at our own feet, and learn to be at home."
Wendell Berry
Beautifully written! I read this several times slowly to let it sink in: The idea that “the point of our existence is NOT security.” (brilliant!) And yes, how true: “We find freedom, aliveness and power…from what dissolves, reveals and expands us.” Breast cancer has included cursed days of wishing it were all a bad dream, but I can also say that it has brought gifts and certainly “expanded” me— even my heart! Throughout this journey, I’ve often described my heart as having grown 10 sizes. While I’ve always considered myself a compassionate person, I am more so now. I care deeply about people, especially those hurting. I’ve learned so much and this new found perspective has brought more clarity, gratitude and focus on the more essential things in life. I’ve “dissolved” too— by shedding pretenses, as well as expectations of life and people. Patience has been revealed in the quiet, waiting periods—sometimes between doctor appointments— where resilience springs. Life is a mystery for sure— but then it’s not. Part of the unknown, uncomfortable moments are just that: part of the experience, part of life! Imagine a life filled with only sunshine and blue skies. Would we not miss the rain? It too, offers beauty and without, absolutely nothing would grow. I’ve grown more during this rainy season than in any other time in my life.There are days, maybe I wouldn’t even change the occurrence of this monsoon if I could… the full life experience—- the tears and the brave face, the resolute and uncertain, the scars, sadness and loss, as well as the laughter, love, and hopefulness— and the willingness to accept it all! I say lean into life— the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discover what’s in each, and let yourself grow! The rainy season may pleasantly surprise you!
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Hi Nathalie – thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment
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