Breath of Bones

We are always together even when we cannot find one another. During those times we might imagine we are lost or we have met Death. Or maybe we have even sought Death. But then something happens to remind us of our oneness, our mutual rootedness.

The fibrous threads are weaved, forming the intricate tapestry of our identities – our linked ancestry, culture, and unique and shared experiences. This colourful tapestry binds us across generations, grounding us and providing a foundation of love that we continue to build from for eternity.

We inherit physical traits but also traditions, values, and stories that have been passed down through time. These markers serve as a compass rose, budding at the center, guiding us when we feel a loss of our sense of direction and our purpose. We are reminded of where we come from and how important it is to recognize that we are not better than those who came before because they often shape the lens through which we view the world.

We are reminded of our twined human marrow when we feel the worst, unimaginable pain, and the grief is so large, bursting from every pore and orifice, that we know only a collective human heart can hold and produce the volume of furious and crushing waves of sadness-fear-loneliness-anger that throttle our very soul when we lose sight of Ourself.

This realization also happens when we feel full of warmth and sunshine after we look at a certain photo, smell a certain fragrance, hear a familiar musical beat, taste snow on the wind or gently run our own fingers across our skin for the first time, while also remembering we have done it all before. We realize it is not possible for just one single person in the world to absorb and experience the insurmountable love, beauty and fullness washing over us in that moment.

Our entirety is best witnessed when it is quiet, and ironically, when we are alone. We clearly see our reflection when closing our eyes in a vacuum of sound. By taking focus away from our other senses, we are able to better focus on the ones that need attending. Especially when we have a dire need to love, see and listen to Ourself.

We are the generations of our first mother, linked in an endless line of dominoes, historically made from bones. Grasping hold of Ourself, hands clasped to feet, we tip over and form a line that becomes longer and longer, twisting unto itself like an umbilical cord.

Grandmothers (Grandfathers), Mothers (Fathers), children –
The daughters (sons) become the Mothers (Fathers).
The Mothers (Fathers) become the Grandmothers (Grandfathers).
We become.

When we ɓecome, the struggle then is to create and maintain balance within Ourself and our unique essences. We may be one, but are made up of many distinct qualities. May we be diligent in maintaining the divergences within us. Let us be aware that suppressing individuality puts strain on Ourself, and can weaken the whole. If repressed and not honoured, our distinctive voices within can even crush the learning and the growth of the whole.

Also, do not forget (because it is easy to forget) that the children's wisdom must be gathered and harnessed in addition to grandparents' and parents' wisdom:

One day, out of the blue, when a daughter was not yet in school, she expressly and excitedly told us that ‘when our numbers run out, we get to start all over again’. At the time, not recognizing Ourself, we didn’t see or hear that she was cracking a window to the soul. She was loving us and teaching us about dominoes –

Our storied body of bones.