4.25.15 Now its all different, as our lives meander down their own individuated paths

There is something so reassuring about being in connection with others, and hearing what it's like to be in their lives. Much like dance or a stunning book or music or stories of others lives, all of this weaves a congruence, between who we are deep inside, and who we are in the world. And transports us from our small island of looking out our eyes and our small life, into the world and lives of others.

I remember beginning to parent, and realizing the comfort in hearing what everyone else was going through. Knowing you wouldn't toss that kid out the window, but wanting to. Knowing that your kid might not sleep, but at least they didn't bite, or level whole rooms each day. It became a learned commonality that shifted the personal perspective to a larger sense of whole.

Now it's all different, and the surprises continue for us all, as our lives meander down their own individuated paths.

What health issues ramp up. The fear of loneliness, and then the growth of inner resources that enable each of us to learn how to navigate connection, and well. What we let go of with such ease, all of a sudden. What becomes important. What bounty we find ourselves filled with, from all things experienced. What our children actually think of us, when they suddenly show their cards. The profusion of quiet pleasure with long closeness. The solace of knowing the land we live upon. The neighborhood. The surprising solidity of our confidence, that grows and grows, as we find ourselves able to withstand more than we imagined we could. The startling necessity to find and keep hold of our grit, when those younger than us find discomfort in our growing ease. 

Each of us, with lives, and surprises. Differing circumstance. Some tragedies and some wonders. Disappointments, shocks, profound grace, and new strength that solidifies each day. 

And somehow managing to share with others the view from where we stand.