Truly, it is in the darkness that one
finds the light, so when we are
in sorrow then this light is
nearest to all of us.
I’ve written before that I think that death provides us an edge, to whole the container of our lives.
It provides us with some sort of outer limit, always there, even though most of the time we don’t acknowledge it.
And I think that is why I write this blog.
To remind us to acknowledge it.
Did you know that there is a field of study that actually looks at a phenomenon called Post Traumatic Growth?
It’s true. . . google it.
I have found, for me, that it is coming out of the darkness of grief or pain, when there was a sliver of light as contrast against the field of darkness, that I have found healing, have believed in a wholeness of sorts.
That was out of my view when I was in the midst of nothing but darkness.
It was out of my view when the sun shone brightly. . .
But it was in that moment when I was rounding the bend, starting up the hill, that I knew I had learned something profound.
I don’t know if I can say that I learned about friendship when I was blessed with the bounty of many friends.
I am not sure it was in perfect health that I understood how fragile mine was (or that of others).
I don’t think we truly understand the depth of love we have for someone until they are no longer in our lives. . . when the pain, physical, spiritual, psychological, etc. is so deep and so raw, that we get that a part of us has died along with them.
And just as light follows darkness, we get in touch again with the fact that we have lost a part of ourselves, our world and yet, nothing is forgotten or lost, we are just no longer in touch with it.
Read Thich Nhat Hanh’s book No Death, No Fear, if you really want to understand. It is a powerful commentary on our interdependence and our impermanence.
I appreciate all those who stop by here for a little dose of my ramblings and my musings.
What a great privilege of today’s post modern world that we can all connect and share our lives.
Honoring the dark moments on your journey and the slivers of light that inform your path.
Metta, Jennifer
so, so true…it’s only in seeing that first glimmer of light after experiencing the deepest darkness that we understand…and the healing can begin.
post-traumatic growth is something I’ve posted on several times!! good stuff and so true!
The quote from Meister Eckhart brings to memory a quote from scripture (Psalm 30:5): weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I am so thankful for that glimmer of light in my darkest hours.
Wise words you share with us here Beth! I think it emphasizes that perennial wisdom is just that . . . wisdom for the ages, regardless of what our beliefs, customs, etc. If only the world could hold on to those kernels of truth that are universal. . .
Thanks for sharing your comments here and for stopping by to read the blog.
Metta, Jennifer