Healing

(source)

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being “in love” which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."

 (St. Augustine)

There's been a heatwave in Stockholm, and it's been absolutely beautiful. I'm getting rather spoiled with all this lovely weather. We had a true winter and now a true summer. I couldn't ask for anything more. The beauty of Scandinavia is something I've had the pleasure of experiencing, and there is so much more to discover. I look forward to some point trekking through Norway. I've heard nothing but wonderful things. However, before I do that, I've got to make a trip through Northern Sweden.

With that aside, I've been on the road toward healing. Physical, mental and emotional. A continual process of course. My finger has mended, and I'll even have a little scar to brag about, lol. The abdominal pull has gone away. Whereas, lastly my right shoulder is feeling much better, though not 100%. What can I do? It's an old injury I may have to be aware of for some time.

In times like this I'm thankfully reminded how important it is to be gentle with myself. To soften in stead of push through. When softening, I feel receptive, open, and willing. This hasn't always been the case, however through the path, and many mistakes, the blessed bumps in the road have taught to be exposed and vulnerable is a place where I experience my humanity. A place of strength, even though it may seem counter intuitive.

Putting up walls. Been there, done that. It didn't work. The protective exterior only increased the sense of separation. Why worry about getting hurt? It's the trade off we make to simply love in the moment. Besides we are better people for it. Grace is everywhere.

As I awake into this expansive reality I have found comfort in it. A type of peace that is gently held in my heart versus feeling as if I have to reach for it. Yes. Everyday is different, and will bring new challenges. As I heal the wounds of my past, as I reconcile the resentments of my experience, I am better equipped to be in this moment and see it for what it is.