My friend has been in a long time partnership with another colleague who lives hundreds of miles away, and she tells me about their curious relationship, what keeps their friendship alive and fresh after so many years. “No matter how far we are from each other, we always remind each other how precious life is.”
My friend tells me that from the very beginning of their relationship they shared a little statue of Kwan Yin, the goddess of mercy. “I was once facing a difficult challenge at work, so my colleague sent me a little statue of Kwan Yin by mail to remind me that love is everywhere. Three months later I sent it back when my colleague experienced a death in her family. It became our tradition, sending back and forth this symbol of love and compassion between us.”
For years, since then, they faithfully sent the reminder to each other, it became a token of love and companionship in the journey of life. I admired how they were able to transform grief into compassion by sharing something precious and sacred. How about you? Do you have a person who reminds you to transform difficulties into wisdom? What do you share with others? Are you reminded once in a while that love and compassion are everywhere in this world?
Try this meditation:
- Breathe mindfully, in and out, and evaluate where you are in your life right now. Are you at peace? Do you experience difficulties, loss or grief?
- Stay present without judging your experience of this moment. If you are struggling, do you have a special one in your life that reminds you of what is really important about your life journey? If you don’t, who could it be?
- Your journey is not shaped by grief or loss. Your journey is defined by your ability to stay open as you gain in wisdom and compassion. Choose an object and a person that will periodically remind you of that essential truth.
- Share what is most especial with others. Open your heart to the wisdom of sharing what is our true self. See it there as you move through your grief and face the difficulties of this world.
Peace,
Juan