Adjust Pattern

“We keep sharing the story that presses on our heart until 

we understand it all.”

Mark Nepo

The first time we share a painful story, words may be clipped and minimized. Our hearts may hurt so badly, accuracy may not be present. Focus on our emotional pain may be so great, little attention is given to reality. Raw truth may be physically pulverizing our internal functions. The story needs to be told numerous times before we hear honest perception.

Each time we tell our story, bits of truth may surface. We may realize how only one side of the story is being shared. We begin to recall outside circumstances that triggered the unfortunate story. We begin to see a new pattern where perhaps we did not interact in a very charitable way. We become more willing to own our own part in the drama.

As time passes and the story resurfaces, we may be far less involved. With this new distance similarities can be seen between other stories. We may begin to wonder what the lesson in these stories are about. When we discover a pattern we are capable of accepting our personal weaknesses and adjust behaviors to avoid repeating the past. 

 

Wisdom Penetrates Barriers

"Tragedy stays alive by feeling what's been done to us,

while peace comes alive by living with the result."

Mark Nepo

As human beings, there is no escaping the hard ships of life.  We are all touched, interrupted, or overwhelmed by the incidents presented personally.  Often, we forget to review the choices before us. Automatically, our response can be from ego and emotions, rather than parceling through the heart.

Our reactions frequently stem from harsh emotions which rattle around in our heads.  If we can be strong enough to allow the feelings to drop into our heart, the perspective broadens.  When we discover a place to settle our rage or anger or resentment, we can view it as a segment of alternate events. 

Wisdom has the ability to penetrate the barriers of ego, and can move us to a higher place of understanding. We must be conscious enough to turn to supportive resources to lift our sorrows.  Negative emotions need to be fleeting, not permanent residents.