133- Lifting Each Other Up, Effortlessly

Very little is as uplifting as knowing that the way in which one lives her life has a positive effect on others… to know that living by example is enough to inspire to action those who are ready to take the same journey.

Kamilah, Kahlil’s mother. Painting by Kahlil Gibran

I just received a note from a new friend that said:

“Just wanted you to know that you are incredibly courageous… you have inspired me to recommit to my own healing and journey. Thank you!!”

When I feel weak from all that I am processing, I can remember that it is because I choose the more difficult path of uncovering my true and authentic self. I peel away, one painful layer at a time, the layers of shame, fear, pain, sadness and anger that keep me from being a whole person.

This person then shared a beautiful and poignant quote from Khalil Gibran:

On Joy and Sorrow
 Kahlil Gibran

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, “Joy is greater thar sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits, alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

My deepest thanks, appreciation, and cheers of joy go out to this special friend. I know her journey will be deep, painful, and all the more fulfilling and beautiful because she chose the path of Truth. Namaste, dear friend. Your inspiration inspires me to continue my own quest.

 

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