“I’m ashamed to be seen with you.” It was the first of many words intended to injure, and – on this occasion, they met their purpose.

I had been promised a fun-filled and romantic evening. Though, as I surveyed for ‘truth’ in the darkened pit of his eyes…I knew, there was none to be had.

He had pulled to a curb several blocks away, “Get out – I’ll wait for you there.” The remainder of the evening he feigned to know me, unless to impart of stinging barb.

I should have left then, walked the proverbial ‘other way’, as they say. Though, instead I stayed – for five long years – enduring the most unspeakable of human acts.

I had just wanted to be seen, to be heard…known. But, at what cost to alter another’s ‘view’?

The Buddha taught of a boundless compassion, one absent the barriers of judgement or label. Though, to offer such treasure to one who is unwilling – it seems a bit like tossing gold into a bottomless well.

Herein lies the dilemma, my loves — for a genuine compassion must be tempered with wisdom. Some may argue the two to be inseparable, “two wings of the bird of awakening.”

Eventually, I found that truth and my subsequent path to liberation. And I learned that a wisdom gained is never lost.

Regrets? Certainly, those this is not one. For, without the benefit of ‘then’ – how else might I be here? Sharing the prospect of love against any and all odds…

Sometimes, we may contemplate the course of our own path. We may struggle to find acceptance within another’s hardened view. Though, it’s only when the heart is opened, that our own truth comes into view. Through the broken shards our light is refracted; illuminating the depths of our much greater whole.

And, my truth is right here sharing these blessings of day ~ with the hopes that not one soul shall pass feeling unloved.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️