Tuesday, November 15, 2016

a revelation of the suffering of the whole world



I loved these words, 
***
Upon reading these, 
I found myself thinking back to when I was in Ottawa,
looking for work, running out of money and getting sick.
This was a very pivotal time in my life;
I gained a hint of something that could become one of
the greatest parts of my life,
the feeling of being connected with the suffering of the world,
feeling as one of them.
***
I can also sense who if one can keep this feeling,
one does not feel one's loneliness as something
that stings, but that which is shared.
***
I would say it is harder for me to keep this feeling
here, where I live now,
but I am thankful that I at least have a sense
the great truth of what
Elder Sophrony is speaking of...

3 comments:

Rachel said...

This is a lovely post. I have to remind myself to be more selfless during the moments when I feel most like complaining, especially during those times when it seems others are being particularly short-sighted.

Peacocks and Sunflowers said...

Yes - that fellow-feeling can help to stave off the self-centered 'why meeee's. And to prompt thoughts of 'Hm - if I have some idea of how bad this feels, what's a way I could help?' Thank you for the introduction to this book!

elizabeth said...

Thanks Rachel! that is so nice of you to say!

Anna, yes!!! and welcome!!! it's a GREAT book I think you would LOVE it!!!