your heart will never be alone

i’m working on a 2010 recap over here. it’s a tradition i do every year, one that i love, love, love. if you’re interested in my journey these last four years, head on over to these recaps while i finish 2010:
2006
2007
2008
2009

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love.” Washington Irving

i also wanted to say thank you to all of you who held my last post with utmost tenderness. i received so many letters of kindness – thank you. i was a little bit afraid to publish that post, but i’ve learned that doing the things i’m most afraid of offer so much expansion to my spirit and connection with others. and the leaps heal, they always, always do.

one of the letters i received was from a dear dear woman who suggested that the “huge earth shattering challenges in life are the ones that add another hue to our personal rainbows. I am drawn to peeps who have enormous arcs of color floating over their brave heads.” i haven’t been able to get this vision out of my mind – how our life’s experiences add color to our rainbows, how we’re all walking around with colorful arcs above our brave heads. awesome. there is so much wisdom in our community – so grateful to be a part of it.

she also sent over this poem by jennifer wellwood, and i had to share it. it’s perfect in every way.

Unconditional
Willing to experience aloneness,
I discover connection everywhere;
Turning to face my fear,
I meet the warrior who lives within;
Opening to my loss,
I gain the embrace of the universe;
Surrendering into emptiness,
I find fullness without end.
Each condition I flee from pursues me,
Each condition I welcome transforms me
And becomes itself transformed
Into its radiant jewel-like essence.
I bow to the one who has made it so,
Who has crafted this Master Game.
To play it is purest delight;
To honor its form–true devotion.

sending gratitude out over the internet wires today,
xo
kelly rae