This morning I read the heartfelt words of a mother. . . committed to her belief, bravely exploring the transitioning wilderness and leading her family into new life chapters. Seasons always change. Day and night. Summer and Winter. Fall and Spring. Full moon and half-moon. We favor the tidiness of the two extremes of this OR that.  However, the beauty is often discovered in the transitions. . .the not so finite in-between. Amidst the space of both day and night, we witness the glory of “AND”. A beautiful sunset / sunrise happens between high noon and midnight. The blossoms of spring and the rich fall colors of changing foliage speak to the ongoing cycle of depletion and renewal.

There is a reverence for transition. We stop and appreciate what is – along with what will be. Think about the birth of a child – and the passing life of someone we love. We slow down to be fully present. Emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Those memories last forever. Yet, somewhere along our adulthood evolution, in pursuit of “success” we dismissed curiosity. We became so educated, credentialed, informed and committed that we sterilized life. Amidst our laser-focus we developed a substantial blind spot.

A parent is always a parent. A child is always someone’s child. Even after they are “gone”.  How can we resist inclusion? There are numerous crossroads: Mask or no mask? Republican or Democrat? Scientific or Spiritual? Love or Hate? Pro or Anti? Work or Play? And so, it goes. . .

The release of our beloved children – at ANY age requires profound strength, courage and resilience. Loving is not easy. Enduring harsh critique is often crushing. The important moments we fail to offer curiosity in lieu of rigidity – we generate chaos. Rigidity generates the exact confusion and isolation that we seek to escape.

We share this world, this time and life experience. How can we continue to argue or condemn those who are different from ourselves? Our ability to love in such a way that others feel free, is a gift. And it is currently scarce if you follow news, social media, politics, etc.

Perhaps in this wild ride of 2020 bursting with unknowns and never-thought-of experiences, we could expand rather than contract. Is it possible for us to connect? Can we bring authenticity without apology or promotion? Are we willing to BE humane without moralizing or warring with others who are unlike us?  Have we become so educated that we can no longer learn? Have we been reduced to OR?

Awareness, empathy and resilience are emotional intelligence skills that can be learned – at ANY time. These qualities welcome curiosity and create a rich tapestry in our livelihood. The question is – who is willing to not “know” everything?

Call or contact us at: 1-(505)259-4940 or 3dlivingcenter@gmail.com