Victoria's story resonates with me. My childhood was not uncommon for immigrants. I saw in my worried parents that we were always on the cusp of falling off a cliff, hanging on to survival in this uncertain place. My own instincts kicked in and I became hypervigilant for things to fix or simply to worry about, as if that would control the fear. I've learned that there is another side, as Victoria writes, that growth allows for. There's always growth, learning, healing, goodness ...if we can open the aperture to include the wound and beyond.
It takes intention for this type of listening in the world. I am grateful for this reminder that if I truly listen I can connect to Truth.
Becky, your post is deeply resonating and I want to extend my gratitude for your words.
This beautiful story reminds me of the end of Amanda Gorman's poem she read at the inauguration. "For there is always light if we're brave enough to see it, if we're brave enough to be it."
In my youth I felt groundless more often than grounded. I strived for certainty and it turned me into an anxious and unhappy person. Then death came for a beloved one and there was no thing I could do. That was the gift of my opening to a different way of being. Embracing (sometimes just allowing) uncertainty and breathing a lot and seeing beyond certainty and uncertainty to the many names for god. Light, generosity, beauty, truth, life, joy…the list goes on!!! With deep love to all beings, May you be well.