My He(ART)-Full Life



Friday, April 8, 2011

unless we see ourSELVES

(old cameras at an antique store)
"One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires ...causes proper matters to catch fire...Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. 
If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.
Do not lose heart. We were made for these times."      
                                                 -Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
It has only been fairly recently that I really started seeing mySELF. I don't mean the labels that others slap on us...friends, lovers, family members, childhood events...but also the labels we put on ourSELVES. Sometimes without even realising it. It was only after I gave birth that I really understood the importance of seeing mySELF for who I really am. And it is  a process, let me tell you! But unless I see mySELF truly...how is Tara going to see herSELF for who she is?
                                       (me...a few minutes ago...after a long long day)
So often when we speak of acknowledging our real self, we tend to speak of the negative things. Oh!...I see the gray hair(lots!), the dark circles under my eyes, the fact that I am bad at math...those kinds of things. But I also see so much more. I see small hands cupping my face, I see tenderness in the eyes of my loved ones that has inspired me to be tender with mySELF. I see paint on paper and roses in full bloom. ...I see a soul stepping into elegance and grace. I see all those pains, betrayals, yuckies and "things didn't turn out the way I wanted" as doorways of opportunity...the fabric of life. Seeing ourSELVES for who we truly are also means seeing all of our gifts and talents and treasures. It means seeing the entirety of our person. It means choosing who we want to be...in every moment, in every action. It means showing up for our lives...through the ups and downs...the grief and joy. It means living in the moment and embracing our lives...as it is. It means allowing our light to shine, "our soul to show".

(Tara's handprint-a few days ago)
This is what I wish for mySELF, this is what I wish for my Tara...and this is what I wish for you.
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* I had a day of semi-rest yesterday so I feel  a bit revived. Tara started a few classes (art + gymnastics) so we are pretty excited about that. Our morning walks have been fantastic...spring is in the air over here and everything is a lush, tropical paradise! Thank you so much, all of you, for  your loving kindness and concern.

10 comments:

Diane said...

By knowing yourself, you're teaching your daughter awareness of herself also--enjoy this time with her--it is amazing how fast it passes!

scrapwordsmom said...

Thank you so much sweet, Soraya!! The print you sent is BEAUTIFUL!! To see your work in person!! LOvely!!!!

Lizzy and her family appreciate this so much!:)

SooZeQue said...

Yes seeing ourselves is terribly difficult. We are our worst critic. I'm sure I'll be working on that one for a long time. Unfortunately, we soak of up negative like an enormous sponge and it take a long time for us to take full control and ring it dry. It's a process for sure. Thanks for reminding us that we are all OK.

PatH said...

Thank you, Soraya. Inspiring, as always.

kelly said...

The process can be so wonderful and so awful at the same time, but so worth it either way. I'm thinking about you, and hoping that you're doing okay. I haven't seen your email yet. You know I'm here for you, right?

jacqueline said...

Dearest sweet soraya, you are so inspiring and this post makes my heart sing! Thank you so much sweet soraya for your wishes for all of us! I totally agree that seeing ourselves is sometimes a difficult tasks. Im learning to see the possitive side of me little by little and loving myself more each day! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to yoU!

Kerri said...

Yes! Yes! Yes!

laurie said...

it is such a process, with steps both forwards and backwards, to be able to really know ourselves. i admire the real and genuine attributes you wish for your daughter. she is lucky to have you.

mansuetude said...

A beautiful post.

Jen @Sadie Inspired said...

Thank you for this wonderfully sweet & honest post. It is so hard to see the entirety of ourselves sometimes & not just focus on the negative. But, those little faces looking up at me surely give me the motivation to be an example to them. Not perfect...but, true. I love reading your blog!! :)