Friday, April 6, 2018

A holding beyond healing

When sitting with a friend in pain, it may not be the moment to provide answers, but to hold them as you confront the vastness of the question together. 

To take the risk to see that they are not a project to be solved, but a mystery making its way into form. 

At times, there is no apparent solution, but only raw, naked life… the full-spectrum of what it means to be an open, sensitive, vulnerable human being. 

At times, the invitation is to set the advice aside, the great teachings and perspectives and the urgent need to fix, cure, heal, improve, and make better. Not because any of this is wrong, but just so you can listen with the entirety of soul. 

Care for them, hold their hand, make them some tea… bear witness to their stories, their feelings, what keeps them up at night and what gives them meaning. Be curious. Walk with them into the fire of their immediate experience, trusting in its validity and intelligence. 

Even in the midst of suffering and confusion, they are vast and contain multitudes.