Healing Arts

Today I met the essence of me, she smiled and told me to sit for a while. She appeared both familiar and strange in her demeanor, gentle yet ever so powerful.

I asked if we had met before, she nodded and her words were few.

“I am Love,” she said, “and I have been to the depths of darkness for you, to the dungeons, the cellars and deep underground.”

I shuddered and asked what it was that was there, “Memories, habits, beliefs and impressions – some decayed, others haunted, while many beautiful treasures too.”

“I have met the demons, the disbelief, the doubt, these shadows are all my friends.  We sat together and shared a laugh, then went our separate ways.”

What now, I asked, and where do you go, she smiled and said “Beyond”.

I honor that in me which seeks closeness and sharing. I treasure the part that seeks to nurture and hold. I protect that which needs and depends. I value that which sees beauty in gentleness.

I wonder what lies beneath the surface, when all life’s goals and expectations are lost.

I wonder if life would pass me by if I stopped wanting and suffering for all that I do not have.

Doubt plants the seed for reflection, for wonder, for imaginings.

Shadows illuminate the direction of the light.

The search for peace is a journey unto itself.

St. Theresa’s Prayer:

‘May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing,

dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.’

Shazia’s prayer:
May you live life expansively, experience it deeply, and envision it poetically.

Shadows and light - photo by Haider Mirza

Push! Limits are just friendly reminders that there is an alternate route.

Enduring love is that which finds a home in the space between attachment and letting go.

Each thought is a seed planting sorrows or doubt or joy or peace. So choose wisely, patiently and with imagination – to nurture a wild beautiful tree.

“The tree is wild and free.  But its roots reach the earth below.  Holding it firm and strong. The tree blows seeds of love in the wind.”

The space between - photo by Shama Mohammed