Melancholy
A lovely word
So many try and avoid it
I can’t
“What’s wrong?” He says
“Nothing” I answer
What else can I say that makes sense?
“Oh you know – it’s just all the sadness of the world weeping into my bones
Like smoke
Fumes
Worrying over pictures
Imagery consumed
Through newspapers
Tv”
I could avoid it
But maybe they need it
My prayers
My thoughts
My breath in taking their sadness
My breath out
Sending them peace
And who knows
Who knows where our love ends up
Where our thoughts go
Maybe it isn’t God that sends relief
But thousands of other human souls
Breaking their hearts open
Sending
Love
Breathing kindness into the world
***
It’s easy to be numb
Distracted
To feel compassion to the point of pain and then close off
Because it hurts
In the end this adds to more problems in the world
I agree – compassion is hard and it hurts but perhaps try
Tonglen meditation.
And link to Pema Chodrin video explaining the practice
It helps to sit with the more difficult things if we can feel like we are not entirely useless
And who knows where our love goes
*if you liked this post you may like Imbuing heaviness – is the situation as it is or as you think it? Or Do not engage the Parrot in Conversation
I have suffered melancholy on many occasions in the past year or so. It’s not fun.
I don’t tend to be dragged down by it anymore – it is more of a feeling I notice and deal with. I think knowing the cause and having the tools helps.
I myself am an empath, it’s sometimes very hard to not be melancholic. But one must gather strength and move forward. I read Rumi he always soothes my soul, prayers for this world and those in dire straits.
I love Rumi too.
I haven’t read Rumi. I find inspiration from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931).
I’ve still have my copy of The Prophet from when I was young, not so young anymore. 😁 you would love Rumi I have several of his books translated by Coleman Barks I like his translations the best. Here is a link to familiarize yourself with Rumi https://www.google.com/amp/s/blog.mindvalley.com/poems-about-life/amp/ enjoy. Always 🌎✌🏻❤️
Love this – Thankyou
You’re the third person of late to mention The Prophet, I keep meaning to find it, I’ve read excerpts – will make the move today to find my own copy
I’ve always looked at it as being a bit like Platos allegory of the cave but with religious insight, no matter what you believe in God, Jesus, Allah, Buddha etc etc . Enjoy it when you get it, I like the artwork also. 😊🤗
Thank goodness you all got some rain.
eob2, thanks for sharing the link. I definitely have to include one of his books on my night stand.
You’re welcome 😊
I really appreciate this post. Thank you for the love you put out for others.
I think I was born melancholic, but it seems to suit me… your poem says it all, really…
I’m a bit the same Jenanita 😊
I was just laying in bed thinking about political sickness and how so many around me are affected. I wondered if anyone is sending Trump thoughts of wisdom and love, everyone needs that, especially those in power. Also thinking about the fires out there in Australia. Hoping you and yours are safe, and that those whos lives have been ravaged can find the strength to rebuild……..so many thoughts I had to get up. Beautiful post, Kate. Love and kindness are always the answer, always…..
Always Mare x
Heartfelt, Kathryn <3 "To feel compassion to the point of pain" does hurt. Oftentimes, the state of our suffering world brings me to tears. I agree that we should not allow these feelings to close us off. I find self-healing in prayer, meditation, and gardening. As a writer, I use my deep connection with Earth's suffering peoples to give voice to their plight. As a fellow human, I reach out to the other within my space in whatever way I can. A smile alone has the power to make visible again, the invisible people on our streets.
Exactly Rosaliene – so many people go numb and shove feelings aside – which helps no one. I love your whole comment – resonates with my own thoughts.
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