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I've been musing, this morning, on the interconnectedness of our strengths and weaknesses—how a virtue can be a vice subdued, sublimated or in disguise. Also, I've been reflecting upon a related paradox, how by meditating upon our wounds, we might heal and become more compassionate towards the wounds of others. Our wounds, properly perceived, might in turn become peepholes for us to view the worlds wounds.
I realize these are difficult, subtle, elusive matters to discuss since, like all esoteric truths, they require initiation and that readers bring their own experiences to the table. What fascinates me is how truth agrees with itself, across time and space. Take, for example, this marvelous Japanese practice, kintsukuroi, which involves repairing pottery with gold in order to honor that what is broken becomes more valuable.
Below, are five more echoes, that examine this paradoxical truth from different perspectives, disciplines as well as faith traditions: literature, philosophy, Christianity and Islam.
'It is often our mightiest projects that most obviously betray the degree of our insecurity.'
—W. G. Sebald
"My wound existed before me, I was born to embody it." —Joë Bousquet
'The wound is the place where the Light enters you.' —Rumi
“There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.” —Leonard Cohen
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh... For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions... for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
(2 Cor. 12:7-10)
Adversity makes us stronger. "What doesn't kill you...," they say...
I think our injures make us beautiful, for our empathy grow and we become both more compasionate and happy (about ourselves in relation to the wholeness we share). Away from all dangers and hardship, a child becomes spoiled; time will provide the cracks and dents; he who's never experienced those must find the golden repair within and grow stronger.
I loved this post, @yahialababidi ♥
Thanks for sharing ☻
Thank you, for your thoughtful comment; I’m grateful my post resonated with you.
I’m also fond of Nietzsche’s famous aphorism: That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
The stronger we are, paradoxically, the more tender and open-hearted.
Here’s another fine quote by Nietzsche (that is lesser-known) on this subject:
Totally, and well, thanks for the knowledge. Two of Nietzsche's spotless thoughts. Indeed, our best teachers are our wounds.
There is a biblical verse that says that "In order for you to understand God, you must be broken."
Basically the concept is to teach you humility. Without humility you can not connect with God.
Thank you, for this reminder and echo... I believe the heart broken open is the one that receives the Divine Light ✨🙏🏼💫
very true.....
The concept of kintsukuroi is so Beautiful!
And the new creation of the repaired pottery is even more beautiful!
great shot
awesome! really liked your post. keep it up! :)
Great Words to live by!!!!
We need more people to be BRAVE like you and speak out.
I have a new Aphorism. Please share your thoughts.
https://steemit.com/life/@greenbeans/wisdom-of-the-day-the-good-problem-solver