Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against the sky.
Rainer Maria Rilke
To see the other "whole against the sky"...
How beautiful and loving to truly "see" and "know" another sans the heavy trappings of our own unmet needs, conditioning and ego! How transforming...how triumphant!
And not the easiest task when mired in the heavy density of earth school where we struggle so to come up for the air of feeling in control, satisfied, vindicated, "in the game" and winning.
Rilke is suggesting in his beautiful poetic way that we choose a view much more vast than just taking care of ourselves. He is asking us to look much further...to reach, to stretch our souls up into the infinite distance where we have the clarity of seeing the view of each soul traversing its own terrain. And it is a stunning picture...it is magnificent. It is a work of art creating itself in each moment...the story of all of our journeys.
That work of art is subtle and sensitive...intricate and winding...powerful, chaotic and peaceful...teeming with the stories of all earth dwellers trying to find their way. And the paths...and landmarks...and back roads vary greatly but they make sense to the traveler and THAT is what we need to honor in ourselves and in all others. In that honoring is birthed the exquisite gift of understanding and empathy...and the life-changing, mystical experience of Loving the Distance!
Marie Helena
image from scamp.ie
Scamp: The Irish Illumination Blog
(from Brian Fitzgerald's sketchbook)
originally published Septemer 22, 2013
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