Broken open...

Dear Tree Limbs..

When I first saw you I was afraid...yet something drew me to you. You were broken open and vulnerable, for all to see. As I looked closer, I wondered...are you a part of Tree or are you another life form? I was not sure any more.  Your gift remains...whether I can name you or not, and that is

your vulnerability.  Being open and more..being broken open is not something I have valued in my life.  I felt to exposed and feared the responses from others.  Sorrow, pain and illness can heighten my sense of vulnerability and then, I have to choose my next step.

A recent experience with a way of sharing called "Contemplative Dialogue" has given me a whole new look at the gift and power of being vulnerable.. of opening myself more honestly and more deeply with another. 

 As part of the process, I was paired with some one whose views, I felt.. were very different from my own and with whom I had shared some difficult experiences. Where was this going to take us?

The key focus was on listening to one another from our heart center and hearing each other in the present moment, not coloring our hearing by past experiences and understandings.  We both took

those words to heart and the sharing that we had brought me to tears...tears of joy..tears of new understanding..tears of common ground that we had not focused on before. 

The whole experience challenged me to first be willing to hear and to hear differently..and not to be planning my response in my head as the person spoke.  Because we each were willing ...we heard each other in a whole new way and the past was finally past as we focused on the NOW of each of us.

This is why dear Tree Limbs, I can come back to you today and honor with out fear, your openness

and vulnerability.  May I have courage that you have shared as I meet other family members, particularly, those with whom I strongly disagree.

What would you say to me as you hear of my experience and my initial fear of you.. I would truly appreciate your wisdom.

Dear Assunta,

 Vulnerability is a rich gift that must be given freely. As your presenter stated..."Don't ask a question about how some one views things unless you really want to know their response...be curious.  All beings want to know that they matter and if we truly want to hear what matters most we have to take the same risk with each other. 

Storms, can make us more vulnerable and then we have to decide if we will honor that vulnerability or close down. As you found out with your friend, gifts and treasures can be discovered when we are willing to see and hear in the present moment and not the past. 

We also have to be willing to take the time necessary to truly hear and to truly see.  When we want answers and solutions "yesterday", we close off any new and truly meaningful perspectives, visions or ideas. 

Yes.. I hear your smile, as you realize, time..is why you have avoided coming back to share. This kind of sharing often takes more time than what you are willing to offer. I am so glad you took the time today.  Hopefully you will take the time here and with one another, to risk being open, curious,

and willing to see and hear differently. What gems and jewels you will discover! 

Dear Tree Limbs and so much more,

 Thank you for your patience, your vulnerability and wisdom. I say it each time I come to share, but again, I am blown away by your wisdom and love. I choose to see and hear in a much more heartfelt and honest manner..to be really curious for new understandings and to take the time needed in order to reap the new understandings.