Share the Spiritual

Nurturing one another seems like the most important thing that we can do throughout our days, because frankly, living is hard. As Mary Lane artfully puts it, this is one “outrageous ride” down here in the trenches of life. It is a long journey to rediscover the magic hidden within our experience. Again and again, I am reminded how crucial it is to help each other bloom through it all.

And I am inspired by how much I see people tending to others. It is beautiful to see the ways that we support each other and offer protection, and the ways that we encourage unique beauty to thrive. For myself, I am trying to tread more softly with generous love, instead of trampling with my judgments. It is up to me to make life a garden rather than a battlefield.

And life shows me the way. To need each other and be needed are the transformative challenges of being human. They carry forward our evolution – showing us the sanctity of being here. They show us the connection of souls, fulfilling us from within.

The design of life is to be born completely vulnerable and dependent upon others, so that we must participate in the grand exchange of love. As a mother, I am often overwhelmed by the duty of nurturing, only to be transformed by the whole experience. There is an honor in being the one to provide what another needs, and to feel sacred love returned in whatever form it takes. Life is meant to be shared, and it shines when we do so with love.

Behind all nurturing lies the limitless and healing power of love. It is harnessed through heart and hands that offer compassion – that demonstrate reverence of a holy nature. There is I think an ultimate nurturing when we care for a complete stranger – when we step outside of our small circle of loved ones, and to me this is grace itself. I am reminded of Mother Teresa, who rolled up her sleeves to shelter those in need, inspiring the world and showing us what really matters. I think she was shocked by the suffering we allow our fellow humans to endure, and her bright life taught how incredibly important it is to take care of everyone.

Far too often in our personal lives as well, the heart-wrenching opposite of nurturing takes place, but I am starting to believe that we are each meant to experience resurrection from our past, our wounds, and our sorrows. Behind all negativity lies the positive, and I am relieved to know that one positive action can outshine the negative exponentially.

We often forget to nurture ourselves – to take the time and energy to replenish from within so that we can help others. Nourish yourself beyond what the world often feeds you, and see your extraordinary, unique beauty. Care for yourself lovingly, especially when you are feeling down, and be open to receive the gift of nourishment from another.

You are not alone. We are not alone, and we are each a brilliant light to revere and see in each other. I have found that our modern world can box us in, treating us as separate consumers. We are closeted indoors and made to follow, but I know that we are magnificent life-force itself. Own this in yourself. You are so incredibly special – you are an integral, essential part of our experience, and of the wide universe, and it is your birthright to always be nurtured.