Only Service Heals

 As I was reading this writing, words of St Francis flashed in my mind: Make me an instrument of thy peace. Serving others is going beyond myself, surrendering my ego. The big I does many admirable and helpful things, fixing and helping. In this ego bound limited consciousness, the other always exists-the other separate from me. When I serve  the other from my heart, the ego dissolves. The drop becomes the ocean.Peace blossoms and joy radiates.

My mother's heart was always open to offer unconditional love and serve others joyfully. We felt deeply connected in her presence. I have had many heart touching memories as I was growing up. The stream of her loving presence  continued until she passed away. I feel that stream in my heart even as I am nearing 90. 

In the Mindful parenting class that I am teaching, I posed a question to the parents attending the class: who comes to your mind who treated you special when you were a child? My answer to the question arose effortlessly. My mom. Tears of gratitude flowed from my eyes. Her loving presence in my heart created deep connectedness with us  and among us. Such connectedness happens when I serve children in my daughter's Montessori school.This happens when I water the plants; when I hold myself compassionately when I feel deeply sad missing my wife.

At times, fixing is necessary; helping is necessary. Serving oneself and serving others creates a profound healing in oneself and in others. I think we need to tap this inner resource more than we do, individually and collectively.

Namaste.

Jagdish P Dave

 Thank you Jagdish P Dave for sharing such wisdom and heart in this post. Hugs from  my heart to yours. Blessings Be! Kristin

 Beautiful! This will sit with me for some time/ the rest of my time...