Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing such a painful time in your life. I have heard the "mustard seed" story many times, but it is always such a good reminder that we are not alone in our grief. The quote by Naomi Shihab Nye was perfect. It was so helpful to me to hear you remind us that removing our timeline and agenda from our healing process can relieve some of our suffering. Yes.... so many times, meditation and the basics do not feel "magic" enough or quick enough for me, but they really do the job in the end. Thank you so much for posting your reflections every week. Every time I see one pop up in my inbox, I feel a surge of joy. They are always insightful and so human. Merci!
Victoria, I’m so glad that this share was helpful. And thank YOU for reading. What you said here struck a chord with me: “so many times, meditation and the basics do not feel "magic" enough or quick enough for me, but they really do the job in the end.” I completely relate. 🌷
I love your description of meditation as tapping a lifeline. I have sometimes said that practice holds me in difficult times. I think we are both describing the same sense of solace, comfort and nurturing that practice can bring. Thank you for your openhearted vulnerability in sharing this.
Ann, I couldn’t agree more — the solace, comfort and nurturing that practice can bring… especially in difficult times. It does have a ‘holding’ feeling to it, doesn’t it? Warm and safe.
Dear Adreanna, many thanks for sharing your story of grief and loss and how to heal from such inner pain by relying on the basics of mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion. It seems as though I can never be reminded enough that the healing of the heart, the bruised soul, as it were, has its own time schedule impervious to our and society's need to "get on with it" or " cowboy up". On a personal note, miscarriage during my childbearing years as a boomer, was pretty much swept under the rug. I had early three miscarriages in a row between the births of my two daughters that pushed me into such a state of despair that I was afraid to pee, to shower, to jog, so certain was I that it was my fault. I was Kisa Gotami pre mustard seed story. Soon after, while filming for the USDA on a Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, an old woman came up to me and somehow intuited that I was so sad because she said essentially what you said. Something like, "Soften into your sorrow. With time you will be okay." And sure enough, the next year my second daughter, Emily, was born. With each of your reflections you reassure me (us) that the basics, like breath, are enough. And for that I am so very grateful.
Thank you for sharing your experience Celia. 💛 I come from a long line of people who “suck it up” when things are hard, which is actually very useful - until it’s not. So I also need reminding as much as possible that healing happens on its own schedule. I can relate to the pain of multiple miscarriages as the suspicion that it’s your fault… coupled with the entire experience being widely swept under the rug. ♥️ And what beautiful guidance to receive in a time like that: “Soften into your sorrow. With time you will be okay." A gift. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing such a painful time in your life. I have heard the "mustard seed" story many times, but it is always such a good reminder that we are not alone in our grief. The quote by Naomi Shihab Nye was perfect. It was so helpful to me to hear you remind us that removing our timeline and agenda from our healing process can relieve some of our suffering. Yes.... so many times, meditation and the basics do not feel "magic" enough or quick enough for me, but they really do the job in the end. Thank you so much for posting your reflections every week. Every time I see one pop up in my inbox, I feel a surge of joy. They are always insightful and so human. Merci!
Victoria, I’m so glad that this share was helpful. And thank YOU for reading. What you said here struck a chord with me: “so many times, meditation and the basics do not feel "magic" enough or quick enough for me, but they really do the job in the end.” I completely relate. 🌷
I love your description of meditation as tapping a lifeline. I have sometimes said that practice holds me in difficult times. I think we are both describing the same sense of solace, comfort and nurturing that practice can bring. Thank you for your openhearted vulnerability in sharing this.
Ann, I couldn’t agree more — the solace, comfort and nurturing that practice can bring… especially in difficult times. It does have a ‘holding’ feeling to it, doesn’t it? Warm and safe.
Your courage in writing about your grief, and the healing power of self compassion moved me in a deeply personal way. Thank you.
Lynette, my heart to yours. 💛 Thanks for being here with us.
Dear Adreanna, many thanks for sharing your story of grief and loss and how to heal from such inner pain by relying on the basics of mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion. It seems as though I can never be reminded enough that the healing of the heart, the bruised soul, as it were, has its own time schedule impervious to our and society's need to "get on with it" or " cowboy up". On a personal note, miscarriage during my childbearing years as a boomer, was pretty much swept under the rug. I had early three miscarriages in a row between the births of my two daughters that pushed me into such a state of despair that I was afraid to pee, to shower, to jog, so certain was I that it was my fault. I was Kisa Gotami pre mustard seed story. Soon after, while filming for the USDA on a Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, an old woman came up to me and somehow intuited that I was so sad because she said essentially what you said. Something like, "Soften into your sorrow. With time you will be okay." And sure enough, the next year my second daughter, Emily, was born. With each of your reflections you reassure me (us) that the basics, like breath, are enough. And for that I am so very grateful.
Thank you for sharing your experience Celia. 💛 I come from a long line of people who “suck it up” when things are hard, which is actually very useful - until it’s not. So I also need reminding as much as possible that healing happens on its own schedule. I can relate to the pain of multiple miscarriages as the suspicion that it’s your fault… coupled with the entire experience being widely swept under the rug. ♥️ And what beautiful guidance to receive in a time like that: “Soften into your sorrow. With time you will be okay." A gift. Thank you for sharing this.
Sending much love for sharing such a vulnerable experience. It helps me face my own vulnerability with more grace. ❤️
I honestly wish there was another way to face vulnerability (like complete avoidance) that worked. Alas. Grace it is. Sending you love, Susan. 💛
Very moving Adreanna -
Always warmth to you, Marsha. Thank you for reading along with us 🌷
Very welcome - enjoying the Laundry especially its "realness".