We have a choice

Ultimately, all our sufferings are there for us.
To guide us all the way
to tolerance, understanding,
compassion, connection and trust.

The wounds are the openings
left in our hardened shells
where we still feel.
If someone happens to touch it
we either will feel irritated,
revengeful and angry
(and we will take the frustration
out on them or someone else).
Or we let ourselves be touched
and truly feel touched.
Profoundly touched.

We have a choice.
To either react to pain.
Or to respond to pain.

We have a choice.
To either guard ourselves from pain,
Or to open up to pain.

We have a choice.
To either project our pain onto others.
Or to bear the pain ourselves.

We have a choice.
to either sustain aggression.
Or to extend our vulnerability.

We have a choice.
To either perpetuate hostility and separation.
Or to surrender to what is
and allow intimacy and unity
to come into being, after all.

– ljs