Silent Communion

 

"I felt trapped, like a caged bird, desperate

to escape but unable to find my way out."

Jodi Picoult

When the snow is heavy and I am forced to remain in place, I experience a deep angst. This anxiety is not about seeking others or needing stimulating activities. Quite the contrary, I long for the silent communication I find in the midst of snow laden trees. I yearn to be embraced by the love I find in a wooded midst. 

I know my favorite bench is covered with snow, but I long to sit there in silent communion. I am seasoned in escaping darkness, and I know how to discreetly exit without being seen; but, this is a different means of capture. This limitation of peering outside simply does not quash this longing to be silent with the trees.

Outside my frosted window, a brilliant red cardinal dances in the blowing snow.  I cannot help but wonder if he finds joy in this space. Is he guided by the whispering wind or disoriented in the drifting snow? Soon, I will seek my bench, choosing to leave fresh footprints in this accumulating snow!

An Inside Job

"Imagine waking up one morning and finding a piece

of yourself you didn't even know existed."

Jodi Picoult

Life focuses upon our outer self ... how we present, where we work, what car we drive, or religious and social affiliations.  There are those who are sent to 'polishing schools' or 'finishing schools' or private facilities for advancement.  Our skins are scrubbed, our waists cinched, and our head is held just right as we introduce ourselves to the world.

If we were to look on the inside of this person in the same scenario he or she would be experiencing the exact opposite of what was being projected out into the world.  They would lack confidence as they felt fake, anxiety would be building as they were not navigating with natural power,  and fear of being found out handicaps performance.

There are a multitude of characteristics within us, and they patiently wait to be discovered.  The gift we withhold may not be significant by itself, but when added to our other unique skills  we produce works of art.  Too often we are aware of our abilities, but falsely assume everyone else is just as capable. It is time for us to gather our interests and match them to our capabilities and begin to express our unique gifts.