AWAKENINGS

To awaken a sleeping child it is far better to speak to them softly; to caress them gently and persistently rather than to shout at or shake them. For what is the gain to have them awaken traumatized by a shocking experience? Are we awakening our children with love and patience or with anger and frustration?

The way a child begins the day is largely due to how that child awoke in consciousness. They are then free to process and build upon that experience but if we are the awakener it our responsibility for how they began their first moments of awareness.

All too often we use shock as a method of waking our brothers and sisters that we believe are only partially aware. It is fast, often easy and effective but our impatience may result in a trauma that is not easily overcome. In fact, our lack of patience and the absence of gentleness may result in a hurdle too high to overcome for those we wish merely to awaken. This is not how we would prefer for our children to begin their day nor should it be how we choose for our brothers and sisters to begin theirs.

Kindness and gentleness are acts of love, they require much of us and they are gifts of inestimable value when poured out freely upon those in our life. Our behavior can set the stage for healing or for suffering, for our self and for those around us. To what would we awaken others, to kindness, gentleness and healing or to anger, impatience and suffering? We may not be responsible for what others do with their day but if we choose to awaken them we are indeed responsible for providing that upon which they will build it.

The best way, the kindest way, the gentlest way but the most difficult way to awaken others may be through example. A good example is not only observable but it is ultimately irresistible. How we behave can be the foundation upon which others will build their day. It is an act of love steeped in patience that is at the same time instructive and inspirational.  However if we choose to awaken others by example we must be willing to persist for as long as it takes to change lives.

It is a high price to pay to be the example to awaken someone, to change their life and be a force for healing, but the outcome will be a life transformed. If our effort results in awakening just one person, changing just one life, becoming a bridge over which only one person can find healing, our life is justified.