I am struck by the hopefulness and personal transformation of Middle Easterners undergoing significant social change. Along with the rest of the world, they recognize they are in the honey-moon stage of change.
As my yoga teacher says, “first it gets better, then it gets worse, then it gets different.” We, as their TV witnesses, absorb the details of their transition cheering them on even though we know with hope and freedom comes suffering. The path to joy is a universal one.
The Path to Joy
Like unwanted calcium deposits, we chip away calcified scar tissue,
Uncovering inner worth and dulled brilliance.
Slow steady polishing, reveals the true sparkle of our diamond-like core.
It is there we contain all the colours of the universe and reflect her magnificence.
We are coming together within, unifying what has been disparate.
This joining announces an entry; new ways and means extinguish the past’s hold.
Each new moment is now viewed with the fresh eyes of an innocent.
No more does our critic clamour to the fore to judge worth.
We see worthiness clearly demarcated and rejoice in who we are.
Practising the finely detailed work of a finishing jeweller,
Impurities smooth away, rough edges polish into brilliance.
How can we not appreciate each facet as it reveals its glory?
All that is beautiful and valuable within awaits this attention.
It is not for us to seek the glitter living outside the self.
Rather, the journey within mines buried treasures and shares discovered bounty.
This is our path — faceted with courage and compassion.
