“When conditions are right, expect the unexpected to be revealed.”
I am positive that I am not the only one that experiences moments when we are startled by our own words that somehow appear in our minds. This morning I once again experienced one of these moments: “When conditions are right, expect the unexpected to be revealed.” Right away I paid attention and the image of a ‘broken Vessel’ appeared out of nowhere. And there the story, the storyline, began …
However, let us pause for a moment and look at the word itself. To me, the word Vessel tastes like sweet grapes, it feels light as a feather or a cloud that drifts by, clouds that cannot possibly be contained. How can it be that the sound of a single word touches my heart in in such a profound way? I sensed having touched on something sacred: an ancient, long-forgotten treasure safely stored inside us all.
The ancient Japanese tradition ‘Kintsukuroi,’ or “golden joinery,”is an art, an idea that embraces flaws and imperfections by creating something new – a stronger and more beautiful piece of art.
How beautiful is this image, how much value it adds to many of our lives? Knowing on a deep level that, despite our flaws and less desirable attributes we reject, we are of value and deserve to take our rightful place in a world where the wounded, being ‘other,’ are judged unworthy. Sadder yet, how often do we judge ourselves harshly, unkindly by seeing ourselves as damaged. In doing so, we make ourselves invisible and before long we find ourselves with our ‘folded wings’ under the burning sun or in the coldest of landscapes of our own life.
As I share this imagery with my clients, many also find themselves consoled by the words of Leonard Cohen: “There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.”
Nothing can enter a container while it’s sealed off; nothing can enter.
Stay with me a little longer, imagine; the vessel contains You, your true Self. Imagine; see yourself being trapped inside circumstances, Belief systems, guilt, regret, anger, hate and shame, your very personal suffering. We become prisoners to our small selves.
Yes, when conditions are right – when your suffering gets too much, when you realize that this is not the way you want to continue living this way – your despair may become the prayer for release from it all. Suddenly your world as you knew it collapses, everything you held on to with all your might shatters all around you.
The vessel is broken by something higher than your small self; your trapped, true Self escapes the confines of the mind or clutches of your ego will.
Many of us can bear witness to the fact that breaking free from the confines of our mind is a painful experience, however, it is the most rewarding of experiences you will ever have. The moment you lift your head, the moment you feel your wings opening around you, the moment you breathe freely in and out in harmony with the “I am”.
Now, take a deep breath – for you may encounter discomfort, a shock to your system. Ego’s voice, doubt, will try to call you back. This is the time when you need to be gentle towards yourSelf, “no judgement.” Know that, just as an infant, right now you are vulnerable and in need of nurturing as you enter life as a new being.
In that moment, trust the voice of your innate wisdom reminding you of who you are. Finally, you are able recognize meaning and purpose in all experiences of your life.
With an open heart, you look around and see walls crumble and disappear. Nothing will ever be the same, at last you are free to be all that which you were meant to be … …
