I am blessed to have a sacred community of women I meet with on a regular basis. Every gathering becomes a haven where we weave the threads of connection, holding space for vulnerability, sharing our triumphs, and basking in each other's joys. In this tapestry of shared experiences, I feel seen. This wealth of authentic connection and support is my true wealth: a wealth beyond measure.
This is not a new concept as I was reminded as I recently read an article in the NY Times written by Rabbi Sharon Brous.
She describes “a pilgrimage ritual from the time of the Second Temple when hundreds of thousands of Jews would ascend to Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious and political life. They would climb the steps of the Temple Mount and enter its enormous plaza, turning to the right en masse, circling counterclockwise.
Meanwhile, the brokenhearted, the mourners (and here I would also include the lonely and the sick), would make this same ritual walk but they would turn to the left and circle in the opposite direction: every step against the current.
And each person who encountered someone in pain would look into that person’s eyes and inquire: “What happened to you? Why does your heart ache?”
“My father died,” a person might say. “There are so many things I never got to say to him.” Or perhaps: “My partner left. I was completely blindsided.” Or: “My child is sick. We’re awaiting the test results.”
Those who walked from the right would offer a blessing: “May the Holy One comfort you,” they would say. “You are not alone.” And then they would continue to walk until the next person approached.
This timeless wisdom speaks to what it means to be human in a world of pain. This year, you walk the path of the anguished. Perhaps next year, it will be me. I hold your broken heart knowing that one day you will hold mine.”
Being in community is a way to presence yourself as my friend Lera would say. And on that note, come join me and a fabulous community of conscious seekers at VISION 2024 January 27-28. Reconnect to old friends and make new ones. It is your chance to hold space for others as they hold space for you.
Until next time,
Barbara