“Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Inspiration: When Words Fail… seeking silence within… for Norway, China, Amy and more..
From time to time, events occur that remind us of both the frailty of life and of man’s violence against his fellow man. The events that took place in Norway, the tragic shootings that took place a couple of days ago, have left us all saddened and shocked. We wonder how anyone can find that depth of rage within and then act on it by choosing to annihilate innocent bystanders. We wonder why and in our attempt to make sense of it all, we find that words fail us. Acts like this one and others before it bring to the fore the senselessness of myopic beliefs that parade as truth.
When zealotry replaces compassion and common sense, it is time to seek the silence and wisdom that comes from tuning within for answers. We mourn when lives are lost; particularly when young lives are cut down before their time… We grieve for their loved ones, for the loss of their contributions and talents to the community, for the reminder of our own mortality… Amy Winehouse lost her battle today and we also grieve the lose of this talented, tender soul…
“Music and silence combine strongly because music is done with silence, and silence is full of music.” Marcel Marceau
There are many families hurting and many lives lost; innocent lives that remind us that somehow, somewhere, we as a global community failed not just with words but with our collective actions… What will it take for appreciate and cherish the human bond we share? What will it take to find common ground where those who feel voiceless can be heard and those who claim to have the answers can share the platform in search of peace?
Call me naive, but I still believe there is good in humanity and that we can transcend our collective histories of hatreds and oppression. But, it must begin with reflection; tuning into that silent place that resides in every human heart, a place that never lies. It is the place we seek when life’s challenges become too much, when we feel we’ve reached the edge, the precipice of our understanding. Perhaps we can begin there and find our way back to center with comforting words followed by loving actions. Consistent action… What do you think? More below
“Silence is a source of great strength.” Lao Tzu
Inspiration: When Words Fail… Grieving for all
When words fail, we will find that observing silence, seeking solitude and the presence of water, even temporarily, soothes our jarred nerves offering us some help. Often, our tendency is to reach for answers, words, solutions, recriminations, retaliation, energetic action… long before we stop and seek the strength and clarity that comes from silence. We must embrace the silence, albeit briefly, if we are to move forward with confidence and a clearer picture of what we need to address.
Our condolences to the families that lost loved ones in Oslo and Utoeya or have injured/survivors in Norway, to the families involved in the train wrecks in China to Amy Winehouse’s family, and to all who have lost a loved one and/or are hurting… sadness is happiness bitter twin. May all who suffer find peace, love and understanding. May all who rage find peace, love and understanding. May all who hate find peace, love and understanding, and may all who seek peace remember to live in peace, with love and understanding…
What about you? What are your thoughts? What do you do when words fail? Do share! Thank you. 
Positive Motivation Tip: We are all guests on planet earth and our time here is measured, let’s spend it in appreciation of our lives and the lives of others…
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Photo of grief , Amy Winehouse via Wikipedia. Flowing water via Flickr
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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