JUNE 27
Since her first grief had brought her fully to birth and
wakefulness in this world, an unstinting compassion had
moved in her, like a live stream flowing deep underground,
by which she knew herself and others and the world.
—WENDELL BERRYIt is a difficult birth—this coming into full wakefulness
through grief—and not everyone comes out ennobled. But
since the rewards of doing it well are as multitudinous as
the stars in the sky, it behooves us to do whatever we can
to come through well.
What may it take? Attention to our own needs, our state
of mind. Reading. Rest. A willingness to be vulnerable again.
Counseling, maybe. Talking with understanding friends.
For some, prayer, meditation, participation in a healing
community.
What we can be sure of is that we will be different.
Whether we will be embittered and sad or compassionate
and, in a deep sense, happy is not totally within our power
to decide. But the outcome may be more within our power
than we think. Like any birth, it has its pains and dangers.
But it is new life at stake here—new life!
I will use all the wisdom and power I possess to come through this
well.