The other night I was listening to a Grief meditation. The facilitator invited us to put our hands out in front of us, as if we were holding an empty bowl like we were going to receive something. And to close our eyes and focus on something that we appreciate in your life - what has brought us joy today. I immediately thought of the bird song that wakens me every morning. And for the wild roses that have been whispering to my soul recently. He tells us, when you see it, to hold that joy in our hands and bring it to our hearts - by placing our hands upon our heart. And when we bring it into our heart, we say thank you.
Thank you for the bird song and the fragrant wild roses.
Then he invited us to extend our hands out in front us once more to receive again. This time he asked ask us to reflect on the person we are grieving, reflect on a time that we cherished with them, then say something specific about it - I thought of my brother and our deep love of trees and the birds, especially their gift of song. Clifford too, gifted us with his beautiful music - guitar and song.
I saw my brother, Clifford and myself as children enjoying the birds and the silver birches in our back garden. We shared a deep love and passion for the wild outdoors. So many sacred childhood memories; and we continued throughout our adult lives creating precious memories immersed in nature.
I recalled our last walk together (before his cancer robbed him of his mobility). We walked to his favourite tree where a robin was visiting and sharing her soulful song. We stood in silence, in awe of the beauty, the music and the powerful energy gifted from tree and bird. We held each other and felt a deep communion with God and all of creation.
Tears rolled down my face as I said thank you and placed my hands upon my heart. Filling my heart with these sacred memories of my late brother.
Grief and Joy are threads in the same tapestry
Then we take a deep inhale and bring our hands to prayer. We now extend this love and appreciation. Taking a deep breath in, we lift our prayer, by lifting our hands up and letting go, bringing our hands down in full circle and returning our hands to prayer and repeating this flow of beautiful healing energy.
It was so incredibly beautiful, deeply moving and healing. I am learning that we can hold both grief and joy.
painting among the wild roses, infusing the paintings with wild rose water was incredibly spiritual and meditative
This flow continued into a series of little paintings. I love the simplicity and freedom of these paintings. Allowing the ink pen to dance around the paper, one continuous movement. (Maybe a song) It is the most natural way to create - we are after-all a continuous flow of energy.
"If I had not known deep sorrow, I could never sing seriously of joy and love of life." - Gilean Douglas
Inspired by a little bird that wakes me up with its beautiful song every morning, at the same time around 4am. After I have listened to his song, I fall back to sleep. I know it’s my brother singing me back to sleep. I feel my brothers presence in the birds from the tiniest Hummingbirds to the mighty Bald Eagles; forever with me in Spirit.
“Grief and joy are not enemies; they are threads in the same tapestry. Even in sorrow, joy whispers that love remains, and even in joy, grief reminds us of what was precious. You don’t have to choose between them—hold both, and let them shape you.” - Cyndi Matos
I am so deeply grateful for the bird song each morning and the wild roses that keep on whispering to my soul. And for the beautiful meditation shared by Paul Denniston - thank you.
May all beings be well, happy and at peace.