I’ve been traveling a lot lately to a bucolic area where I grew up to be with family. I’ve been making regular trips to visit my father who has been hospitalized since mid-November, and to be with my mother. At first I thought I’d really enjoy the car rides and tried listening to audio books but my mind seems to wander away from the narrator and music doesn’t offer a better distraction. In a vulnerable state last weekend, I found myself tuned into NPR’s The Moth radio show. I listened to podcast after podcast finding a weird kinship in the suffering shared by these everyday people telling their personal, often heart wrenching, stories. It was riveting. I was reminded that we all have something that we are dealing with, big or small, and that the holiday season can actually make it a little harder to cope.
I shared these thoughts with my classes last week. And in digging around to find something more to offer, I found this great excerpt from Carolyn Myss. Her book “Anatomy of the Spirit” creates an understanding of why we need to work through our issues (so essentially they can keep them from finding a home in our tissues). A lot of people asked me for this excerpt, so here it is:
“We are not meant to stay wounded. We are supposed to move through our tragedies and challenges and to help each other move through the many painful episodes of our lives. By remaining stuck in the power of our wounds, we block our own transformation. We overlook the greater gifts inherent in our wounds–the strength to overcome them and the lessons that we are meant to receive through them. Wounds are the means by which we enter the hearts of other people. They are meant to teach us to become compassionate and wise.”
Opening our hearts and sharing–a la The Moth–or in any other way, is vital to making powerful and life-changing connections with others. I’m sure you’ve guessed by now last week’s class featured a lot of back bending, and opening that realm of connection at the heart. When we open the heart we are better able to honor the divine in others.
Wishing you peace and connection to those around you this holiday season!