You Are Not the Bucket

I can't help but think that Glennon Doyle was inspired by the ancient poet and philosopher, Rumi, when she wrote this section of her book, Untamed.

In this part, she was expressing to her daughter- the one she used to tell all the time that she'd "never lose her (mom)"- until Glennon realized she'd sold her a lie.  Her new teaching became- "The truth is, you will lose me one day. You will never lose YOU."  This left the daughter to shore up her inner workings and delve into a relationship with herself- hopefully one in which she befriends her inner voice and loves the essence of her spirit.  Yet, her daughter started feeling isolated, alone in her own feelings, her own body- keenly aware that she was the only "person" she'd truly be with in life. The quote Glennon shared is meant to assure- despite your feelings, you are never truly contained- you are part of something larger, more united, more collective than you know. "You, are not the bucket, but the ocean."

I turn to this quote now, feeling alone in myself. Feeling a little bit afraid.

Rumi said, "You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a tiny drop." Taking in the expansive nature of this is comforting, and yet, the outside world doesn't always show this to be true. The people we respect, love and trust may turn away from us if we disagree with them. When we walk with integrity, intention and authenticity- some will not only be out of alignment- but they will turn their back and instruct others to do the same. Some will be afraid- offended- feel attacked by our truth.

Finding our bravery in this wilderness is often courage in that sensation of aloneness- wondering if we will find our tribe- be loved fully- make an impact. How can we make an impact if we are sent away- marginalized- left out, left alone? 

My heart is aching a little bit as today, I feel that way- a bit of a drop of water rather than the ocean. I feel filled with questions about whether or not I make an impact, bring light, spread joy.  I know I'm living according to my values- but it IS lonely sometimes. 

So what to do? Becoming someone we aren't isn't an option when we've worked so hard to reveal who we are. There fore, we have to dig deep, into that well of faith. We have to know that the misaligned relationships from the past, have been cleared for us. This clearing is providing an opportunity for the truly aligned to step forward, to create new partnerships - to develop new rhythms and patterns that are healthy and whole.

We have to BELIEVE and we have to take action to LOVE ourselves. We have to seek movement and find more joy in the little things we can. Like the person who sends herself flowers to brighten her own day- we have to do that OVER and OVER again until we believe so fully in our own LOVE. 

When we develop this store of faith in ourselves, we find our path will show us the other spirits- ready to walk it with us- in friendship and honesty- in respect and appreciation.

We are the ocean. We are as much connected to the people who've cleared  away as the people who'll been attracted to it. We are as much connected to the sky and the trees as the flowers that bloom and the rain that will fall. We are as much day as we are night. We have to focus on the things that bring us the most joy and allow the rest to simply be-
a part of that truth, but not the ruling part.

In faith and hope that we all know our worth today. 

Love, 
LeeAnn

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