In the night

Still air

My heart waits–

Falls towards

YOU.

Endlessly

Tumbling

Opening…

–Floating–

And finally…

Closing.

In the peace

Of its own

Protection,

Compassion

For this lonely

Suffering

Arises.

The greatest teacher,

Rejection,

Shows me

Once again

How to

LOVE.

““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

I was inspired to write this poem this week by one of my clients.  I was talking to her about some fears and disappointments she has related to rejection.  I was explaining how I came to see rejection as one of the greatest teachers in life because it forced me to accept parts of myself that appeared to be less desirable, less acceptable, or basically, rejected.  Being alone as a result of being rejected or just not getting what I wanted (socially, professionally, or in some other way) at various times forced me to become a student of the most difficult coursework I’ve encountered thus far–how to turn my compassion inward and really give it to myself.  My life has included many successes and also quite a few disappointments.  The latter have taught me the most.  They deepened my character, strengthened my courage, expanded my heart, and made me a healer.  When we do not get met in our love or our desires ON THE OUTSIDE, we have to learn to nurture, love, and console ourselves ON THE INSIDE.  This is probably one of the most valuable things a person can do.  So, I encouraged my client, “Do not be afraid of rejection…Instead, welcome it as an opportunity — an invitation for compassion, an occasion to learn to love perhaps the hardest but most deserving person (>>#1<<), and an opening into a divine and intimate relationship with the Self and, through this, our Source.”