Life, living, breaks our hearts. For many and varied reasons. Some may seem trivial, some are obviously large and important griefs. I say seem trivial as I believe no sadness is trivial. Any sadness can teach us what sorrow is for others. Can bring us compassion and empathy. Sadness is sadness, grief is grief. No matter what the instigator.
In Shambhala training, a secular training initiated by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche from his Buddhist perspective, we learned about the broken-hearted warrior. The picture that comes to my mind around this warrior is someone who goes forth into life with courage, at the same time as they are filled with sadness and sorrow and maybe just want to curl up and let the world go by without them.
Susan Piver recently published a book from the Shambhala perspective called The Wisdom of A Broken Heart. Click here for a video in which she talks in a personal way about her heart broken in a romantic affair.
On her website, Donna Woodka quotes from John Welwood. "To live with a broken-open heart is to experience life full strength...When the heart breaks open it marks the beginning of a new love affair with the world." For the full quote click here.
And Gene Pitney, with his amazingly melancholy voice, sings a song from my teenaged years. Only love can break a heart, only love can mend it.
19 comments:
Hi Suki,
That's a very interesting image you have here,,,I'm trying to decide if it is collage built on some sort of mesh.?
Maybe a 'shield' of sorts for the warrior.
Hadn't thought of Gene Pitney in forever,,,nice hearing him again.
I haven't heard this song in ages! The Welwood quote is fascinating. Lovely post, Suki.
Babs, this is a printed collograph image. The original plate had the heart and also some of that plastic mesh that fruit comes in on it.
Not sure I want to think about broken hearts today. Had my share...not good memories...long ago memories now...not wishing to go there.
Like the art work though. Not familiar with the singer, will have to wait till I get home to listen to and watch the videos.
ah, a gift for me on this certain day. thank you suki. i haven't opened any of the links yet but i shall, i among the ranks of those who carry their heavy hearts...
even the title is enough...
love to you,
kj
Yes I rememeber this song. I started humming it once I saw where you were going. :))
I remember this song Suki. Love can do many things. I like your collage.
Okay, I'm still whistling with gene! Wow, talk about flashbacks.
I've sent all the links to myself in an email so I can fully take the time to be with them. Thank you Suki.
xo♥
Oh, I do love the monoprint! Anything with a big red heart reminds me of your sweet mom.
Ahh- Wellwood appears again-- I remember xeroxing and sharing essay of his I found in ?? book years ago-- (circa '85?) thought he was as eloquent as could be on the subject of love and broken-open hearts... I may have even sent copies of that to you and S as I was sooo taken with it??? Didn't realize he had published so much and will perhaps order something now-- so thanks, Sooks! Somehow this again reminds me of the painting you sent me from Trumbell?? after college, before sharing the apt in Cleve,, a heart with the word 'courage' in the center... you were encouraging me at the time about my wanting to leave college to join you and S I believe??? I always picture that heart when I need courage- even all these years later!! ;-) <3 S
I love that 2nd qoute. I have had my share of broken hearts and the last one tore it to shreds, but I am a better person for it. xoxo
Love the heart Suki. It's true there are a lot of broken-hearted warriors out there, travelling through their day & pushing past their grief.
A perfect song to illustrate your post from Gene Pitney.
sadness pervades me right now, but there will be an end to it and some sort of solution, maybe some new doors will open for me. love the image and wish i could spend hours talking to you, you are so deep and so interesting. hugs xxx
Suki, you know how this post moved me. Broken heart are a real condition....I am trying to recover from one.
The collage is absolutely beautiful. You are astounding in your depth of understanding.
I didn't know the song - but felt the plaintive quality in his voice!
You are sounding stronger ever day....Pippi has returned! (I am sure the sun, warm winds and bare feet have helped!
Love,
♥ Robin ♥
I love the analogy of starting a new love affair with the world. With life. Thinking of it that way makes it easier for me to go forth and live each day, no matter what obstacles make me feel like pulling the covers over my head that day instead of embracing life fully.
very nice post, I just stumbled across your blog from Time Goes By.
The image of the broken hearted warrior strikes true.
funny, my word verification for this comment is
ireheali
am also a Cape Cod girl from way back.
I think you lost me on this one, sorry.
Your collagraph is nice, however.
wonderful thoughts :)
I love all your quotes and writing here-- about life and spirit and opening heart and soul to the sadness and happiness of it all
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