Seeing Rightly…

 In Reflections

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

“What is essential is invisible to the eye”; yet, we also see, hear, and sense things we would miss if our hearts are closed.

At this painful time in the world, I find myself needing to remember a tender heart that cries at the suffering is a strong, powerful heart that makes a difference.

How are you tending to your heart right now?  Persian mystic and poet Rumi invites us to remember: “Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart.” The most powerful experiences of oneness I’ve had came when visualizing my beating heart sending out waves of love, peace, and compassion around the world. This assures me that my unseen prayers  do matter and make a difference even if I cannot see the impact.

In this remembering, I am called to take care of my heart even if that sometimes means letting the tears fall. For in witnessing some of the ugliness, I find the beauty all around me so much sweeter.

May you remember the strength to be found within the tenderness of your heart.

P.S. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for our heart is to be with others in community. We have so many wonderful opportunities to connect, learn, and experience the gift of contemplation this month. Please check out our offerings below. I hope to see you on Zoom soon (or in person at our Women’s Retreat!).

Strong Heart

“It is the nature of the strong heart, that like the palm tree it strives ever upwards when it is most burdened.” ―Philip Sidney

International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we invite all women of every walk of life to remember how phenomenal you are:

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

― Maya Angelou, last stanza from “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise.

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