So Don't Be Afraid Dear Friend

"So don't be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don't know what work they are accomplishing within you?"

…Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

I repeated the words "Don't be frightened, dear one" to myself as the reality of my maturity came over me like a blanket this morning.

This is a time when I am heading for home. That place of great unknowing that so many have gone before me. It may be years in the future, and I trust it is. Still, I am aware the journey has changed from my younger years.

It is not a time of sadness or fear.

It is a time to take stock of where I am with curiosity and focus. What is my reality at this age and stage?

This reflection brings up memories of joy and regrets all at the same time.

As Rilke so beautifully points out, why to exclude any uneasiness from my life. Work is being done within me to bring a fullness to my life.

I feel alive being at my working edge.

Namaste