Journal of Sacred Work

Days 292-293 “The Whole of Who We Are”

Mandala

“The only way to become whole is to put our arms

lovingly around everything we’ve shown ourselves to be: self-serving

and generous, spiteful and compassionate, cowardly and courageous,

treacherous and trustworthy. We must be able to say to ourselves

and to the world at large, ‘I am all of the above.’ If we can’t

embrace the whole of who we are — embrace it with transformative

love — we’ll imprison the creative energies hidden in our own

shadows and flee from the world’s complex mix of shadow and light.”

No longer afraid… Let us be this alive…

Parker Palmer

These instructive words from Parker Palmer are worth contemplating. For how long have we pushed away the less admirable than  unwanted aspects of ourselves because we are afraid to look deeper? Through the lens of compassion, we can offer a gift that only we are able to give; self-acceptance and forgiveness. In opening our hearts and minds to receiving Grace, we in turn we gift others. This is a deeper truth of who we are, for we are "called to the more" (CSJ Charism).

Reflection Offered by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz

swiftlyunabashed93c6d9b23b Avatar

Published by

swiftlyunabashed93c6d9b23b
Categories:
Tags: ,

12 responses to “Days 292-293 “The Whole of Who We Are””

  1. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Always called to the more but do we respond with loving acceptance of the truth of who we are, precious and vulnerable? How beautifully your creative mandala captures the light and darkness. Thank you Liz.

    Like

    Reply
  2. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    First of all, your art work is my favorite one of any of those I’ve seen and liked before! Being a “moon fisherman” I have to love the moon image and all the other images that sing self expression, love of our planet earth and beyond, and hints at compassion for other humans, simply by your creating it.
    I would further suggest you offer this image for public distribution and sale; I’d snap one up to frame quite quickly. You go Liz!!

    Like

    Reply
  3. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    A wonderful reminder, we need to forgive ourselves first!!!

    Like

    Reply
  4. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    Parker Palmer’s advice is among the most important we can read. The effort for people of all faiths to somehow deny the “sinning” side of themselves, rather than to accept it and take responsibility for it, is among the great tragedies of civilization. Thank you for this, Liz, and gratitude, as well for your transcendent artwork – its tones and shapes and symbols. Yes, take my cousin Terry up on his offer. He has a good eye as well as a great heart!

    Like

    Reply
  5. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    First, thank you Liz for your beautiful artwork. The word ‘phases’ comes to mind when looking at it…
    Second, I agree that to become whole we must embrace our different selfs. We must give our selfs the ability, the time and energy to cry or laugh. To embrace the whole and not shun. We must modify, mollify and balance.
    Lying to our selfs means we become a troll, a bully to ourselves and others. Walls won’t help us but doorways and windows do. Harmony is finding a way to be honest with ones self. To take that which bothers you and recognize it as a learning tool. To beg forgives of ones self…and dance to Joy.

    Like

    Reply
  6. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    On re-reading this post I realize I may have glossed over its core meaning:
    being able to claim our weaknesses is actually a strength, since once accepted as part of yourself, you have a chance to rectify your behavior and may even be able to change weakness into strength. We have all done wrong things in our lives. This is the human situation for everyone. But a willingness to be vulnerable, can make us more whole and in fact: even more human!

    Like

    Reply
  7. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    I appreciate your thoughtful inquiry, Maureen…perhaps, a question we need to ask ourselves each and every day.

    Like

    Reply
  8. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Thanks so much, Terry, I appreciate your lovely affirmation and I am truly grateful.

    Like

    Reply
  9. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    So true Julie, thank you for commenting, forgiveness is key.

    Like

    Reply
  10. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Yes, we can spend so much of our lives trying to conform to others expectations…acknowledging, acceptance, responsibility. Thank you for your wisdom and thoughtfulness, Erie.

    Like

    Reply
  11. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    What a lovely response Jolyon, “Walls won’t help us but doorways and windows do.” openings into continued learning, growth and joy. Thank you!

    Like

    Reply
  12. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Ah, thanks for sharing these additional instructive insights, Terry. I appreciate all the comments because they enrich the reflection with the light of each person’s perspective! Thank you

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment