Jeff Foster is an author and spiritual teacher from England.
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the notion that somehow, you are always held? Can you share an experience where you felt held under trying circumstances? What helps you remember that you are always held, even in difficult situations?
Superbly communicated
completely related to my life especially the final part of the passage
Could connect with this so much!
Rightly written and toched my heart.
I was not able to approach this topic at circle last night, but I feel comfortable typing it. I am held by my hero, my Dad, even though Alzheimer's has taken his memory, he can still hold me as I am holding him. Although we are separated by 2,000 miles, I know that he's being held by my step mom, by my sister, and by his best friend. When I make my visits, I know that although he doesn't say my name, he looks at me and he holds me with a look of knowing. He knows I represent love. I am amazed by his ability to stay in a space of contentment, when this disease typically robs people of their ability to do so. Because of this, the rest of us who love him can hold one another and put out feelings of love to others when they ask about him. I am fortunate to have been blessed with a wonderful family, one who has stayed together, even through my parents divorce, because we put each other ahead of all else. We are love.
It touched my cords! I couldn't believe that I'm actually reading something which is so true. All my emtions were at the epitome when I read this text. Everything suddenely flashed in my mind, what all I went through, all the joys all the sorrows and in all the situations I was held, somehow. It makes me realize that there were days when I really couldn't think of anything, happening or sound but really the storm passed and made me prepared for more that are destinied. This is very inspiring and beautiful. I really thank Awakin circles for such a beautiful gift of kindness.
It means that whatever life throws at us, we will always come out. we may turn out disheveled and broken or happy and estatic, but we are always intact. not literally intact but somehow, we will found ourselves complete even in our brokenness.
Wow. "Somehow" really spoke to me today. I am grateful to have found Awakin. These readings are quite profound and speak to our souls. Thank you
"Somehow" yes, I have known this too. Now closing in on 70 years, I have found deep Truth in some of the meditations of Richard Rohr, his book titled Falling Upward is applicable in a holy way. }:- â¤ï¸ Patrick Perching Eagle (aka anonemoose monk)
Thank you for sharing and so poetically. Uplifting and inspiring !!
It takes courage in an often harsh world to live life with the openness described here, yet it is that same openness that gives one contact with the source of love that holds all of life. When I was 14 and my mother died, I thought I too would die from a broken heart but in time with contact in my heart to the source of life and love my heart expanded from this loss and I saw life as it truly was and became compassionate and appreciative of the gifts in every day. instead of closing up in pain from this loss, I discovered that the breaking had opened me up to more of life. Whatever Name you give to this embrace of love, it is there to strengthen us. Be brave, be open hearted and ready to receive the love and lessons that life brings to you.
Life is a rollercoaster, there are ups and downs. but worth the one and only one birth as human. I love this life and all set to live it joyfully come what may...Love you guys.
The reading of "Somehow I am always held" was beautifully poetic.
Every thought shared in this beautiful reflection rings true for me. Trusting the Universe has "saved" me many a time. Grateful.
As I am part of life, I am held in life. As the author says, there is no plan, there is only life, and when I cooperate with life rather than fight against it or try to manipulate it or try to make it fit my plan, I am held by it. When I engage in right action and right process, I am doing my part, and I am held in life, including under trying circumstances. The satisfaction and good outcome that come from engaging in right action and right process, rather than trying to control outcome, help me remember that I am held in life.
The point in my youth where I learned of and experienced God's promise to never leave me or forsake me
Life is not a straight line and I know it. Life has twists and turns, highs and lows, ups and downs, ebb and flow. I have experienced such swings in my life. The most painful expereince in my life was the breaking of my love relationship at young age. It was very hard for me to go throuh it.I was at the edge of my life. What held me was the gift of Mindfulness Meditation I had received from my dad. It helped me to go through dark clouds to see the light of life. It did not happen suddenly. It took time for me to bounce back. This experience taught me how to cultivate empathy, compassion and forgiveness, equanimity, and vaule of life in all its seasons. I am very grateful to my dad for offering this gift.
May we value life and learn how to live fully! May we be gratteful to those what hold our hand when we fall down!
Namaste!
Jagdish P Dave
Its a beautiful passage. Jeff Foster is raw and very vulnerable in his sharing here. I love the staretment "out of the ashes of imagined futures often grew new and present joys". Its such a beautiful thing. To drop out of our imagination and come into that which is more real than all that we can conjure with our minds.