Awareness of Both Sides Maintains Balance

"On a cold winter day, the window of a warm house knows both

the paradise inside and the hell outside.  Any path knowing both

the angel and the devil is the path of wisdom."

Mehmet Murat ildan

Life experience brings depth into our understanding of both the people and culture around us.  We can observe with our eyes, we can listen with our ears, and feel with our hands; but, until we internalize the challenge, we will not receive wisdom.

We limit ourselves if we walk the straight and narrow path with our heads permanently down.  If we do not hear sound with our ears nor feel disharmony in the heart, we are existing in avoidance with false perceptions of the fullness of life.

Everyone has a cross to bear, and when we finally place the cross on the ground, we begin to integrate all aspects of the lesson.  There is greater appreciation for warmth if we have experienced cold.  Our life path is easier traveled if we are balanced through awareness attained through living on both sides of the fence.

Looking Through the Pane

 

"Your desire to be near to a window is your

desire to be close to life."

Mehmet Murat ildan

Early memories of me standing by our back door of the apartment, gazing outside never really seeing the actual view are plentiful.  In the apartment there were no spaces to allow private space.  So I would stand in the kitchen projecting my cluttered mind out through the glass in the window.

Over the years, looking out a window became a habit for me especially when I was feeling isolated or overwhelmed.  I never really explored this method of coping, but I was aware how much better I could feel by slipping through the window pane.

This morning I came across a quote by Mehment Murat idan:  "Your desire to be near a window is your desire to be close to life."  It was the first time insight connected me to this life long habit.   I never lost the desire to understand my life and when I could not find answers, I would mentally escape through the window seeking answers to my pain.