"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." ~ Saint Francis de Sales
On my way to our community pool yesterday morning, the ornamental grasses caught my attention as I passed through the gate. They looked so feathery and soft, especially growing alongside a metal fence.
I walked back toward them for a closer look. They seemed to have something to say, so I watched.
Their swaying in the breeze, moving in between the posts in the rigid fence, offered a life lesson.
Too often we think that being hard and tough is admirable and advantageous. But is it? In our culture we are told this. We're shown it. Softness is for sissies is a message we hear.
But consider a few examples from nature and perspectives from people.
Feather grasses look soft, light. and delicate, and yet they are they are strong, tough, and hardy.
Bird feathers are soft and light but also tough, providing a strong outer covering for birds, keeping them warm, and helping them fly.
Think of how water is soft but can wear down rock.
"Silk is a fine, delicate, soft, illuminating, beautiful substance," wrote C. Joybell C. "But you can never rip it!"
“The funny thing about the heart is a soft heart is a strong heart, and a hard heart is a weak heart,” said Criss Jami.
According to Laozi: "Softness triumphs over hardness."
Someone said it takes courage to be soft and kind. I agree. Do you? I say it's wise too. And it's something that is very much needed now.
Let's think high noble ideas and feel love deeply. Let's nurture and use our healing gift of compassion. Let's be respectful to one another.
Peace to you, friend,
Charlene
THE FOURTH GIFT IS COMPASSION: May you be gentle with yourself and others. May you forgive those who hurt you and yourself when you make mistakes.
- from The Twelve Gifts of Birth
