Common Threads

Sharing the Road

“It is essential to realize and embrace the paradox that while no one can go through your journey for you, you are not alone. Everyone is on the same journey. Everyone shares the same pains, the same confusions, the same fears, which if put out between us, lose their edges and so cut us less.”

                              Mark Nepo (The Book of Awakening)

Twice in the last week, I have had the privilege of sitting with a friend and listening to their life story. They spoke of their fears and losses, their joys and triumphs, and the long and loopy road they have traveled to arrive where they are. As they talked, I was keenly aware of how much we had in common. This is so often the case. We think our own life is a unique statement, that no one else has lived what we have. But when we hear almost anyone's story, we find our own intertwined within it.

We endure our own issues and pains in a singular fashion, but never alone. When we can share them with another, we see that others have lived through similar experiences and survived. This understanding sands down the sharp edges and makes them feel less dangerous. I think that is why we humans rally around people in distress. When someone dies, or someone is sick or in need of surgery, or when they have a devastating loss, people gather and hold the space. It seems instinctual to gravitate toward others who are in trouble, to let them know they are not alone. My pups do this, too. They gather at my feet when I cry. Our pets snuggle close when we are in bed sick. They know when we need companionship.

A shared journey is a lighter journey. No one can walk it for you, but they can walk it with you if you will allow it. Our human experience threads us through a common needle, and stitches our DNA to that of every other. We are never alone. We are all on this trip together.

                                                  In the spirit,

                                                   Jane