Abiding
Soul
“In our
souls everything
moves
guided by a mysterious hand.
We know
nothing of our souls
that are
[beyond understanding] and say nothing.
“The
deepest words
of the
wise man teach us
the same
as the whistle of the wind when it blows
or the
sound of water when it is flowing”
Antonio
Machado (“The Soul is Here for It's Own Joy,” translated by
Robert Bly)
My friend, Linda, sent me
this beautiful poem by Antonio Machado. It set me to thinking about
how I first got in touch with my own soul, and actually knew what it
was. I was at a very low point in my life—one that I thought might
never end. One day, I was soaking in a bathtub, feeling the weight of
my sadness, when I realized I wasn't alone. There was a palpable
presence with me, within me. It was a simply there, and it exuded
great calm and reassurance that this too would pass. No words were
spoken, but somehow I knew it was a turning point.
Some people are able to
feel this contact when they meditate. It doesn't come from without,
but from a deep inner silence that speaks volumes. Some of us feel
soul's presence most when we are outside, in nature. I think our one
soul is in communion with the greater soul in nature, with the souls
of the trees and animals, and the invisible web of life that holds
creation together. Our one soul feels at home, and at peace when it
is in this environment—and we, in our conscious body/mind—feel that
same peace.
The hallmark of being
aware of one's soul, its presence within, is the sense of assurance
it brings. Even though it is invisible, it has a very solid presence,
an unmistakable weight, and a quality of quiet confidence. I believe
that is because even though our human existence is limited in time,
the soul's is not. It is eternal; was present before this lifetime,
and will continue when our body is no more. Our soul has seen all,
and experienced all, and is not daunted by the momentary missteps and
wrong turns our lives may take. It abides. Through joys and sorrows,
through pain and elation, through disaster and death, our soul
abides. There is peace in simply understanding that.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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