You Are Not Alone

You are not alone…those were the words that flitted into my mind at a recent Reiki session.

As you can imagine, I have been pondering the meaning of you are not alone for the past few weeks. That statement has so many significant meanings and interpretations.

First off, from my time in the late 70s in the Jesus movement in Hawaii I learned that God is always with me. And most recently learning a holistic approach in the Christ tradition with the teachings of Richard Rohr from the Center of Action and Contemplation.

God surrounds me with beauty every day on this glorious earth. The changing of seasons creates a beautiful dance. The bright green leaves of springtime, followed by the blossoms of summer, and the festival of fall’s amazing colors which brings us to the barren white snow covered branches of winter. I relish the sights, sounds and smells of each changing season. The creatures of nature frolicking in the summer sun (and on my bird feeder) busily stashing food for the winter to come. All I have to do is go out in my backyard to realize I am not alone.

Secondly, within my body I hold my ancestors’ DNA, their very likeness is within me, so I am never alone! My skin, hair color, eyes, everything about me comes from my ancestors, including their strengths, weaknesses, and wisdom. I carry my parents with me in a very profound way; they beat with my every heartbeat, breathe with me in every inhale and exhale. And never forget we are all made of stardust – which makes us truly amazing, sparkling effervescent beings who are truly never alone.

Thirdly, is community. I can’t count the number of beautiful people that have graced my life. I am so thankful for my loving and supportive family. I am privileged to have friends from prior jobs and activities around the country. School friends, customers, hiking and yoga friends, neighbors, and the amazing cancer community of doctors, nurses and fellow cancer survivors. The list keeps going on and on. I cherish the connections, the shared laughter and tears. Even apart, the memories create a warm embrace.

We truly are not alone.

“Do not feel lonely; the entire universe is inside you.” - Rumi

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being” - Hafiz of Shiraz