[blockquote source=”Rumi“]Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.[/blockquote]

I received the most horrible, hate-filled message the other day, penned from the hand of someone who barely even knew me…

And certainly not with any depth of knowledge, to truly understand the most subtle, inner workings of my heart strings.

What motivates and delights me…

What catches my gaze on a star-filled night…and sets my heart in motion over the wonderment of what this life brings..

No, I dare say she barely knew me at all.

And yet, there she sat so secure in her judgement – and, to settle up what was perceived to be an egregious wrong.

“I’m owning my sh*t,” she announced in proud defiance.

What an absurd thing to say…to ‘own’ that which we can’t ever control, the ‘that which is forever changing’…

I felt sad for her, as I watched anger strip happiness from her sinewy limbs…and without her ever having noticed, that this hate she was fueling was hurting her more.

I know, because I have been there before. We all have, my friends. Caught up in the paralyzing fear of moving closer to the truth,  while needlessly backing ourselves into the farthest corners of our spiritual ‘room’ –

And, feeling that our only best and last option, is to grit our teeth and claw our way through….

What is going on in this world when we feel that speaking our peace involves the injury of others? To strike out against the very thing we hope to move closer to?

I was accused of taking the ‘cowards way out’ – of not straightforwardly facing my fears.But, I’d rather think I was taking great care of this path, where peace and compassion might soon linger.

You know, I used to believe that most people were terrified of wars – but, lately I wonder if they are perhaps more fearful of peace?

Because, peace requires the most genuine of connections -that of unconditional love and acceptance; a gentleness towards others and ourselves.

I’ve often wondered if the majority of conflict, might be halted with one simple act of an unwavering kindness?

My dears, in life there will be those so quick with their words…that it may just cause your head to spin. But, even in this frenzied flash of harsh condemnations – even in this…we must always strive to maintain our balance.

And, as my dearest ballet teacher might bellow…”Ladies…you can’t plant your feet while twirling on your toes.”

So, let it go.

Let action serve as your focal point…

Let all of these ill wishes wash away to the wind…and stay true to this course, undeterred.

Because, in the end – I believe this world very much needs it.

And, after all….the only one who can ever know your heart, is you.

So, never let those silly naysayers stop you.