Sometimes things just hurt. Sometimes we can get stuck inside of our own individual hurts like a hamster inside of a wheel, trying ferociously to outrun or outsmart the pain. But sometimes things just hurt. If we can open our hearts to our own grief, we can open our hearts to the grief of the world and we can open our hearts to a depth of love we never knew to be possible. This doesn't and probably shouldn't happen all at once. Rather, we open our hearts to a chunk of grief, and then rest while our heart recovers and stretches to accommodate its new occupant. And, in fits and starts, we move forward with bigger hearts, a little more open to our own radiance and the radiance of the world.
This week's belonging reminder:
The Well of Grief
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief
turning downward through its black water
to the place we cannot breathe
will never know the source from which we drink,
the secret water, cold and clear,
nor find in the darkness glimmering
the small round coins
thrown by those who wished for something else.
- David Whyte
This week's practice suggestion:
- If it feels right for you, check in with your heart. While you are paying attention to your heart, hold your right hand in a fist. Notice whether your heart feels tight like your fist, or relaxed and open. If your heart feels tight, slowly and gently open your palm, simultaneously opening your heart. Place your open palm on your heart and remember that you belong.