by Carol
I am coming off of a peaceful, full birthday weekend. Both of my children and my daughter's boyfriend were here. My favorite part of weekends like this one is going to sleep at night with the knowledge that my children (now adults) are safely tucked in, in the rooms right next to mine. For two nights, I slept knowing for sure that at that very moment they were safe. There was no yesterday, and no guarantee for the future, but at the very moment that I closed my eyes each night, I knew they were safe and happy.
But my peaceful weekend was juxtaposed with the incomprehensible news from France - a place that lives in my heart. During those same moments that I was closing my eyes with gratefulness there were parents searching for, or mourning for their children. Of course, I know that to be true everyday. I remember when my daughter was fighting for her life as an infant, that I used to sit in the hospital and think that somewhere other people were feeding their healthy babies at home. All of life is happening all the time.
I don't have any new words regarding Paris or terrorism. But I always find solace in those people who can find words. I am once again grateful for the spirit and heart of David DuChemin who wrote this beautiful piece. I am also grateful to contemplative photographer Diane Walker who wrote a beautiful poem using the analogy of the fall trees. You can read it on her Facebook page blog, "Contemplative Photography by Diane Walker." Elizabeth Gilbert had wise words on Instagram.
I know I quote these people a lot. I know they offer only words. But what more do we have than words to offer hope and solace. How else to express our compassion and combat our fears than to express our individual and our collective wishes for understanding and peace? The Dalai Lama said " Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive."
And to deal with our personal fears - there is gratitude . Gratitude for all we are given each day, in the here and now, wherever we exist. As DuChemin suggests, let us "turn to the light."
"Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life."
John Lennon