Tuesday, July 26, 2022

the peacemaker


I am the peacemaker. I develop this pattern as a young child. It is a form of control, devised by the ego, and it stems from a fear of sadness.  

Everybody, be calm, quiet, and kind ... Please! My inner child would shout within me, causing me to shrink, please incessantly, or seek invisibility. Occasionally, she rises within me still, weeping for me to be small and to solve, fix, and soothe. Run and hide! She warns, whenever I feel unwanted or in the way.  Do not be a burden. Be breezy! Be easy! Go with the flow! Yes, even if it feels like lumbering upstream. Prevent sadness whenever possible.


Sadness enters every house. Sometimes it is a long stay. Other times it is as brief as a few breaths. Whatever the timing, the only way it leaves (without destroying everything) is to open all the doors and windows. To welcome it in and offer it a place at the table. To listen to it, and wait (silently and patiently), while it empties itself. I am learning to not send it away. For it is here to teach me something. 


One does not need to seek sadness, it will come, and when it does, let it be seen. Allow it to hurt. Be in vulnerability. Embrace the empathy. Witness it, - for it is within the presence of witnessing, that wisdom rises like a pail from a well.  


I am not a peacemaker. Peace is not made. It isn't pie. 


Peace is a pure song sung within.  


1 comment:

  1. Denise Wagner7/26/22, 10:37 PM

    Beautifully written Rachel ~ sadness is like a wave you have to ride and then rest when it finally comes ashore.

    ReplyDelete

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