The Light We Share

 

Lately I have noticed that there are a lot of people who do not see their own worth, instead they get caught up in their imperfections, or are blinded by other people's success. They do not see the courage and strength they demonstrate every day, or the resilience they have shown over years of struggle and stress. They do not see the impact they are having on the people in their lives, the way they bring value and light just by offering kindness and compassionate to those around them every day. They seem to have forgotten that no one is perfect and that we are all here to learn and grow and enjoy this journey we call life. 

So this is for all the imperfect, beautiful souls, who do not realize how important they are, how the simple acts of love they share every day are a source of inspiration for another soul, a little spark that is then carried forward to another, and another, and another, as it fills our world with light... 

I wish

I wish you could see yourself the way I do,

because then you couldn't help but smile

for you would see the beautiful light

I see in you

and feel the warmth of your

kindness and compassion,

you would admire your courage and strength

and marvel at your resilience,

you would be inspired

by the reflection in the mirror,

by a soul who shares her gifts

fully aware she is a work in progress,

an imperfect soul

on a perfect journey

who, just by being,

makes this world

a little kinder,

a little brighter,

and so much more beautiful

with the love and light she shares...

penny bowman

 

The Gift of Self Compassion

                                                                                  

During our lives most of us will experience the pain of losing, or being hurt by people we love, and quite often, we will react by shutting down in a rather misguided attempt to protect our hearts. Unfortunately, this does not help,  for it holds us back from the very things that can heal us, compassion, and love... Contrary to our instincts, we need to keep our hearts open, for it is only with open hearts that we can receive the healing and wisdom required to move on and learn from the experience. For many of us, this takes time, and that's ok. Although the journey is unique for each of us, we all benefit when we remain receptive to the love and support around us, and have faith that things will eventually get better.

  Like an open window, an open heart allows us to experience life with a fresh perspective so we can gain new insights. Surprisingly, one of my greatest insights was to understand that not all hearts hold a similar amount of compassion and love. I stopped expecting other people to respond as I might, and I learned to appreciate my own capacity for compassion. Even more importantly, I realized that I needed to extend that compassion to myself. Like so many of you, I can be my own biggest critic, and not as gentle with myself as I am with others. Most people, (ourselves included,) are doing the best they can, given what they know.

For those of you who can relate to this, and are mending a broken heart, or struggling emotionally, I extend my love, and wish you a journey filled with beautiful insights, healing, and the compassion of those around you. Even more importantly, I wish you all one of the greatest gifts and acts of love we can give ourselves... the art of self compassion. 

love and light my friends,

Penny

Open Hearts and Windows

 I will not close my heart,

 I will keep it open

  like a window that invites 

     in the breeze,

      so that love's healing touch

        might wash over me 

         and guide me back

           to who I am,

             and the gifts

               of compassion

                  that await...

        

                    penny bowman