Friday, March 4, 2011

Rebuilding

I made shrines for the broken hearts of Canterbury today. The beach was empty, the tide receded; rain threatening. The sand was gritty with shell fragments. Pieces of glass had been sea-shaped into curious little objects. I placed green leaves for healing, as foundations for the work to come.
Rebuilding begins with making a home for the heart.
It won't be the same as it was.
Clinging to the old way will only increase suffering.
It is necessary to surrender, and find a new haven for the broken heart.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.  ~Martin Luther King Jr.


Then, preparation for physical rebuilding can take place, beginning with cleaning and clearing.
New plans must be made.
The learnings must be incorporated in the new structure.
Eventually it will be stronger than before, and the heart can take up residence.
The work done, I left it on the beach, to be taken by the next high tide.

Catherine of Sienna said: Make two homes for yourself, my daughter: one actual home . . . and the other a spiritual home which you are to carry with you always.

3 comments:

Marilyn & Jeff said...

The Catherine of Sienna quote is beautiful Juliet, as are your words.

Unknown said...

Bellisimo! I too love the St Catherine quote.

Anonymous said...

"Rebuilding begins with making a home for the heart." How I love your words and images and the healing they invoke, Juliet. I love the heart shaped stone/shell.