Today I smile...

[Michele Selinger]

Today I think of those around me with a smile in my heart. At times it is hard stepping back, watching and allowing those I love and cherish to walk in pain and sadness. I would like to take it away from them and store it in my back pocket, yet I understand I cannot. I realize that the experiences are for their highest and greatest good, and no matter what that experience is, it is an opportunity for them to learn from if they so choose.

I know I will be there to hold their hand and offer support in whatever way they will allow me to when they are ready, and I take comfort in that. Perhaps if I present them with a different perception, or offer them a different way of being, they will embrace it, and perhaps they won’t, it doesn’t matter. There will be no judgment from me, as I believe each person’s path is theirs to travel in their own way and their own time.

I am grateful that I am in a place within my life that I am able to offer unconditional love, acceptance, and honor to those that I know, and those that I don’t yet know, and that I can offer this without judgment. In this place I have found peace and freedom.

-Michele

[Michele Selinger]

When I remember to choose to "be", my spirit sighs, my body relaxes, and it seems as if my world changes. There is a power that seems to be contained within the deep breath that comes with letting go, and being.

I also appreciate this sharing, I have not had much time to spend on this site as I want to, but the time I have been able to spend has provided much for my spirit, and my own journey...

I am loving this site... Thank you!!

[drmike]

Michele and Jeanne, you ladies are awesome!
In my pathology training it was said to me: "A doctor can not be affraid of disease." Over time, I have had to realize my humanity and limitations such that this does not block me off from being a part of the whole. As I get more in the middle, I am learning and gaining a more fulfilled existence.

"To be or not to be?" is a profound question posed by Shakespeare. When we choose to be, it seems to me, it is best done in community. We must be aware of ourselves, to effectively help others. I appreciate the sharing, as this makes me more of aware of me.

Have a blessed day,
Mike

[Michele Selinger]

Hi Jeanne. Thanks for you comment. I love how you stated this - "it is a delicate balance we must walk with the suffering of others." It changes so much within myself, when I can see inside my mind, those I love living a live they love, and knowing they created it.

You have a great day!!!

[Jeanne]

I agree, Michele, it is a delicate balance we must walk with the suffering of others. I remind myself that their condition... healthy or not, is not why we have a connection. Our connection is for the love and support we offer one another on this journey... in good times and bad. If I stay focused on the connection... and not worry or brood about my loved ones suffering, I'm better able to envision them in a place of infinite possibilities.

However, if I focus on the afflicted parts, I lose sight of the miracles that we inherently are and give power to the affliction.

The first noble truth is suffering. It is an inevitability. It is without mercy or merit. It must be observed with detachment... not from the person, but from the affliction.

Easier said than done... observing a suffering person is a suffering in itself. Such is the bittersweet poignancy of life. But it is our vigilance and caring that compels us to continue to mindfully observe. Blessings to all who care.