Everyday Beautiful

Tears fall, water from the soul exposing the depths of the heart.  Tears, although uncomfortable, are a sacred experience.  A cleansing, a release, an expression, a plea, a helplessness... the list extends for ages.  Why does one cry?  I contemplated this question in light of my own experience, coming up with the following answers.  As I continue to ponder reasons for my tears, I encourage you to do the same.  Realize that your tears are necessary, a thing from the depths of your true self. Pain inexpressible by words Brokenness of the world Goodbyes or Loss Unrealized Dreams Perceiving I'm not enough Holes from trauma Life as we know it changes Broken trust Unnamable reasons Burdens feel too heavy Emptiness Joy Relief A second chance  

 Shawn Harris' children's book Have You Ever Seen a Flower inspired both the title and content of this entry.  When I picked up Harris' book to read today, I came at it with a chaotic whirlwind of emotions screaming inside all corridors of my head.  Frustration, exhaustion, confusion, pain, hopelessness and loneliness weighed my shoulders down... made my breath come out in tight, short bursts... shattered my motivation.  Yet after reading Have You Ever Seen a Flower , I felt a deep, healing breath fill my body and escape out my lips.  The book's plot takes the reader into colorful, gentle self-kindness before one even realizes what's happening. So in light of my experience today, I wrote out a short self-compassion exercise for you to try.  I hope with my whole heart that you'll give it a chance even if it feels foreign or false.  Let the words sink in, allow your unconscious mind to find healing in them... even if it seems you're only saying the word...