Girl in Love
Rainer Maria Rilke
That’s my window. This minute
So gently did I alight
From sleep—was still floating in it.
Where has my life its limit
And where begins the night?
I could fancy all things around me
Were nothing but I as yet;
Like a crystal’s depth, profoundly
Mute, translucent, unlit.
I have space to spare inside me
For the stars, too: so full of room
Feels my heart; so lightly
Would it let go of him, whom
For all I know I have started
To love, it may be to hold.
Strange, as if never charted,
Stares my fortune untold.
Why is it I am bedded
Beneath this infinitude,
Fragrant like a meadow,
Hither and thither moved,
Calling out, yet fearing
Someone might hear the cry,
Destined to disappearing
Within another I.
In Episode 79 of “Journey from Grief to Healing,” we explore the undiscussed territories of grief and the profound need to ‘unpack’ emotions for healing. The silent questions of a grieving heart and the societal pressures to appear ‘over it’ are addressed, underscoring the complexity of grieving. We delve into the metaphor of unpacking boxes, where sorting through past belongings parallels the process of sorting through emotional baggage. The episode stresses the significance of listening and validating each other’s experiences as a critical part of the grieving process. It is a call to acknowledge our wounds, share our stories, and collectively navigate the path from darkness to healing, reminding us that though the journey is ours, we need not walk it alone.
You can listen to Episode 79 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 79
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“We are the sum total of our experiences. Those experiences – be they positive or negative – make us the person we are, at any given point in our lives. And, like a flowing river, those same experiences, and those yet to come, continue to influence and reshape the person we are, and the person we become. None of us are the same as we were yesterday, nor will be tomorrow.” ― B.J. Neblett
NOTE: We can’t run away. All of our experiences follow us wherever we go. We are who we are because of what we’ve experienced. If we examine our negative experiences, we don’t have to like them, but they shaped us. I have a friend who grew up in an emotionally abusive family. My friend shared that she and her husband promised each other they would never emotionally abuse their children. She learned from her negative experience and used it to shape her parenting and relationships with other people. When we can look at ourselves in the mirror and say, “I love you and everything you’ve been through. You are simply amazing. Look at you now,” we’ll have met someone special.
Holding on to anger can have a range of debilitating effects on both your physical and mental health, as well as on your relationships and overall quality of life. Here are some of the key impacts:
Understanding and managing anger through healthy outlets and techniques, such as mindfulness, exercise, therapy, and communication skills, can help mitigate these debilitating effects. Strategies like Appreciative Inquiry, focusing on the positive and potential in people and situations, can also be a powerful tool in transforming anger into constructive and positive outcomes.
NOW must I these three praise —
Three women that have wrought
What joy is in my days:
One because no thought,
Nor those unpassing cares,
No, not in these fifteen
Many-times-troubled years,
Could ever come between
Mind and delighted mind;
And one because her hand
Had strength that could unbind
What none can understand,
What none can have and thrive,
Youth’s dreamy load, till she
So changed me that I live
Labouring in ecstasy.
And what of her that took
All till my youth was gone
With scarce a pitying look?
How could I praise that one?
When day begins to break
I count my good and bad,
Being wakeful for her sake,
Remembering what she had,
What eagle look still shows,
While up from my heart’s root
So great a sweetness flows
I shake from head to foot.
Welcome to Episode 70 of “Journey from Grief to Healing” with Dr. Ray Calabrese. In this episode, Dr. Ray shares his experience with well-intentioned people who offer quick fix solutions to grief and underscores the complexity of the emotional process. There is no straightforward path to healing, as he likens grieving to peeling an onion – revealing deeper layers as you progress. It is not about searching for immediate cures but understanding and coping with the journey.
During the episode, he emphasizes the power of shared experiences and the importance of storytelling and active listening in the healing journey. He details his personal encounters, giving perspective on how sharing grief stories plays an essential part in the healing process. Painful as it may be, sharing your untold story enables deeply buried emotions to be released. And within these shared experiences lies the seed of healing.
What makes this episode special is the light it shines on support and understanding within the grieving community. The grieving process is significant to our shared human experiences. And in this mutual understanding and sharing, an empathetic connection with others going through the same journey is fostered. It’s about turning our wounds into a source of light.
You can listen to Episode 70 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 70.
Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to receive notifications of future episodes
To know each other is the best way to understand each other. To understand each other is the only way to love each other. ~ Michelangelo
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to radiate happiness, no matter the circumstances? The secret might lie in their outlook on life. Research shows that optimists, those who generally expect good things to happen, tend to be happier than pessimists, who often anticipate unfavorable outcomes. This blog post delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon, shedding light on why adopting an optimistic viewpoint could be a key to a happier life.
Optimists are champions at viewing the glass as half full. This positive expectation influences their perception of life events, enabling them to see opportunities in challenges rather than mere obstacles. Their hopeful outlook makes them more resilient in the face of adversity, as they believe that negative situations are temporary and can be improved. This resilience not only helps them recover from setbacks more quickly but also contributes to a higher level of overall happiness.
Optimism fosters a positive environment that encourages stronger and more supportive relationships. Optimists tend to spread their cheerfulness, making them more likable and easier to be around. Their ability to see the best in people and situations can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. These positive social interactions further enhance their happiness and well-being.
The benefits of optimism extend beyond mental health. Optimists often enjoy better physical health and may even live longer. Their positive outlook encourages healthier lifestyles and stress management practices. Furthermore, optimism has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases and improved immune function. By taking proactive steps towards their health and well-being, optimists not only live happier but potentially longer lives.
In conclusion, the happiness of optimists can be attributed to their positive expectations, healthier relationships, and better physical health. Embracing an optimistic attitude may not change the world overnight, but it can certainly change one’s experience of it, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
