Another quote from one of my favorite authors, William deBuys, again from his book, The Walk:
And in this world beyond the gates of Eden, if time passes and things keep happening, eventually suffering must intrude; it cannot be otherwise. And when suffering intrudes, still more complexity arises because suffering complicates our response to the world. We can ignore it. We can shut it out or at least try to. Or we can let it in so that we see it, hear it, and feel it, in which case our hearts begin to ache. And when our hearts ache, whether for the refugee, the absent lover, the sick friend, or the ailing forest, we feel them more, and they open wider.
Suddenly we are immersed in an ecology of compassion. The wide and open heart gives more love; the blemished, imperfect thing needs more love. One thing gives; the other receives; they both benefit.
Love to you all,
Jeane
This is perfect! And truly hits home today….going thru many life transitions of late and my heart is heavy.
Thank You for sharing!
I’m so glad this serves you today. If you can, try to do what deBuys is suggesting. Allow your heart to fully open to your sorrows. Then, while it may ache, it might become light with the opening and not so heavy.
The wide and open heart gives more love; the blemished, imperfect thing needs more love. One thing gives; the other receives; they both benefit. (my favorite lines:)
Yes, mine too. The whole purpose of the passage, I think.
I like this one…very well said and very true! Take Care, Cin =)
Yes, he is a brilliant writer, I think. This was a beautiful part of his book where he is talking about the failing health of our forests. I love that he addresses that in terms of grieving, too. We don’t just grieve the losses of love. It’s a great point.
I met him a few weeks ago! I went to his beautiful property, a couple of villages up from mine, and joined him for tea. I was a little too in awe to participate very well in the conversation. 🙂