The young girl blesses three powerful animals, each a symbol of what is inside her. Vey writes: "all challenges are conquered if they are met with tolerance, forgiveness, forbearance and compassion." Those who've worked with victims of abuse - people or animals - would likely agree that such gentle strength is what can heal if one can be patient. Most folks are willing to reach out a few times, but rarely stick it out if success is not forthcoming. The true test of inner strength is in the long haul. As the Japanese proverb states, "Fall down seven times, get up eight." The Ancestor of Protection acts as a guard to help us remain true to our path. All of our ancestors have provided good examples for handling things well, making a half-assed effort, or illustrated disastrous coping skills. We can choose to operate from any one of them.
Anyone can be cooperative, patient, and understanding when things are going well and life is good. But it is the noble man or woman who can behave with grace and compassion and even kindness when times are very, very bad. ~Garr Reynolds
Ah Life. It's twists and turns, and ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteI like the fall down seven times get up eight. It is part of our personal evolution. Our lives sometimes have hard lessons that we must learn.
I remember a therapist telling me that we all need some stress in our lives to motivate and challenge us.
Delete