Thursday, September 14, 2006

Reflection

You may recognize this piece as one of Andy Goldsworthy's "Twig" sculptures. Here you can't quite tell the "real" twigs from the reflected ones, yet they are all part of a whole, transitory and beautiful.

It has been a sad week, making me think about the brief nature of our lives and what they mean. Monday was Sept.11th. Sad news of a more personal nature this week; two friends each facing bad news in their struggles with cancer, also the death of another friend's child during birth. When I got to work, I just closed my office door and wept. Then I went online to look for words of comfort.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Ps. 46: 1-2)


and this:
From the Daily Om:

Denying Your Feelings
Dealing with powerful emotions can be challenging, especially when we are going through chaotic, sad, or cruel experiences in our lives. .. Acknowledging your feelings can help you better understand them and help you recover naturally from change, stress, and grief. If you find that facing your feelings head on is proving too difficult during times of emotional distress, you may want to explore alternative ways of expressing them. ...Expressing your thoughts to friends or family can be helpful. ..You can also funnel your feelings into a creative outlet, physical exercise, or chores. Even just accepting and speaking your feelings out loud to yourself can be a healing release. In releasing intense emotions, it is most beneficial to acknowledge the feelings, allow yourself to feel them, and let the feelings go. Those who are willing to experience and release their feelings without judgment also find that their lives become less stressful. Breathing deeply, going for a long walk, or doing a constructive task can help you respond to your feelings in a healthy way. While burying negative or uncomfortable feelings can numb the pain, it also may inevitably dull your ability to experience your more positive and pleasurable feelings. ..In learning how to express your intense emotions in a healthy way, you are giving yourself the freedom to fully experience the more joyful emotions that come with being alive

5 comments:

Jane Ann said...

Ooh, boy. I don't know what words could comfort you. All I know is that those friends you're grieving for are lucky to have someone like you in their lives. Shutting the door and crying is about all you can do.

xoxo
Jane Ann

Gerrie said...

So sorry to hear about the losses and sadness in your life. I am a cryer and I find tears to be very healing. Taking walks, breathing deeply, making a piece of art — you will find ways to come to terms with the sadness.

Lisa said...

Sorry to hear you're dealing with such sadness. Crying is such a relief, much better than keeping it all inside.

Sending you sunshine and hopes for happier news soon,
Lisa

Debra Dixon said...

Loss is always such a tough emotion to deal with on any level. Many of us understand and sympathize even when we cannot be close to hold your hand. Debra

Deb Hardman said...

I hope it helps to know that there are others out in the world who care & are sorry that you're hurting. I'm sending you warm thoughts,& prayers, & hope you can find inner hope & peace in all that sadness.

I had a friend who was dying of cancer, who said "I'm going to LIVE until I die". I think that's the best thing we can all do. Really live, & really feel, & really care about each other.