All Parts of the Self ...

Be gentle with your self.

You are a child of the Universe.

Max Ehrmann

Life has many blessings, but we find ourselves usually on guard, prepared to protect our children, health, livelihood, and personal selves.  The challenges we face in our lives can come unexpectedly and we want to be ready.

Unfortunately, we often times get stuck in this protective mode when we need to most comfort or nurture our selves.  It is too harsh for the body, mind, and spirit to remain in an adrenaline rush.

Too frequently, we forget we have many parts to our selves and each needs attention.  We will say we do not have the time, but I say, you cannot afford to not take the time.

Instead of staying tightly knotted into a bud, we need to let our selves gently unfold, one petal at a time.  To release our full fragrance or vibrancy we must expand.

To do this we must be aware of our total self and what parts make us whole.  We should be able to reflect a playful side, an innocent curiosity like that of a child.  We can allow our selves to appear unknowing as we do not have every answer nor can we be all things to all people.  Certainly we all hide our pain taking it in stride, but we also can be cognizant of how others learn through our sharing the stories of loss or pain.  Lastly, we too often take our gifts and talents for granted. 

It is a typical scenario for one friend to say to the other, "How do you do that?  It is beautiful!  I could never do that."  (This can pertain to sewing, singing, gardening, cooking, art, decor, style or professional skills, etc... )  The response is always a minimization of the talent.  The other friend says, "Oh anyone can do this.  It is easy!"  It is easy for them as it is their gift and they think anyone can do what they do. 

Wisdom gathers over the years and we eventually learn to honor all parts of ourselves in areas where we once thought we would be boastful or selfish.  Vanity and pride are not what I am referring to here.  We must see the blessings in our lives and share them with others.  In each moment, we must be present with all parts of ourselves, not prepared just for protection. 

Let the tightly woven bud closing over all of our unique aspects, gently open.  Let the sun shine unfurling our petals expressing and displaying the beauty within.  Honor the Universe by honoring what we have been given through sharing with others.  We are children of this Universe and we need to be just as gentle with ourselves as we would be with others.