As our personal and spiritual work matures we recognize the vast diversity of who we are.
To become whole and authentic we know that we must honour and integrate this diversity.
Through loving self compassion of all of us.
One way to do this is to host the many aspects of our being within the garden of our heart.
Imagine being the host of a large garden party.
All supported by Pachamama.
All within your heart.
We know these characters. Their names, ways of being, and old tricks.
In the garden are the small children and teenagers, once abused, traumatized and exiled, now relaxed and feeling loved and cared for.
They no longer use their best skills to protect us or distract us from our pain.
Also present and welcome are the aspects of our being that we brought home from the shadows. Hard bloody work.
The rage monster, the killer, the abuser, the screamer, and all the others.
We are no longer repulsed, afraid or in denial of these aspects of who we are.
And they mingle with the other aspects of our being.
Amazingly the once abused child and the manipulator now sit together sharing a cup of tea.
All the old divine ones, that we were so sure were separate from us, and above us, are there.
Goddesses and gods, devas and other spirit beings, with their many names.
We now humbly accept our connection to the primordial source of creation as unique sparklers of divine consciousness holding space in the world and in the cosmos.
No longer needing to project our divinity outward and dis-own it.
And in the garden the separation continues to dissipate.
There is lighthearted banter among our many parts.
Especially when one of them tries their old tricks to direct our lives or impact our psyches.
Old enemies share a moment.
The rhythm of our heart sets the pulse, the tone and the tempo for all.
Self compassion never felt so big.
We also host the achiever, the competitor, and the striver.
As expressed in our career, or other activities.
No longer pre-occupied with success as defined by our culture or family – proving ourselves, keeping up with others, etc.
These aspects of our being no longer push and pull at us to live their vision.
And throughout the garden of flowers and nature’s vibrancy we host our own beautiful sexuality.
And the old expressions, as the seductress, Don Juan, shy one, or denier mingle through the crowd.
No garden party is complete without the dissociators, distractors, and diverters.
All the aspects of our being that worked so hard for so many years to avoid the deep pain within.
We honour them, without falling into their old patterns.
And the new arrivals, vulnerable, still cautious, wondering if this acceptance and love is real, stand close to the garden gate.
Just in case our heart isn’t quite big enough. They are ready to make their escape.
Some have split a time or two, when our willingness to really feel, or understand, or love faltered, and we are glad they are here with us today.
Under the shade of the big tree there are other aspects of who we are, that have been denied or never fully expressed.
They offer rich opportunities for life expression – creative and passionate.
And we acknowledge that time is precious.
Leading to us being comfortable making tough choices regarding our self-expression.
From wholeness, no longer torn and divided.
Authentic being doesn’t deny any aspect of who we are or who we’ve been, in this or past lives.
Rather we hold them all in a warm embrace.
No longer triggered by, or acquiescing to, any of them.
When life gets tense and stressful we know which aspects are most likely to reach forward and try to take control, and we know that if times get really rough we may need to call on them.
But for now we just encourage them to enjoy their time with their friends in the garden and trust that we’ve got this covered.
And we know that there is still much work to do.
There are slippery shadow parts, and deeply traumatized parts that are just over the horizon of our awareness.
Personal, intergenerational, and collective aspects of being that, with continued inquiry, diligence, strength and open-heartedness, will one day join the garden party.
.
Note: For additional information see “Choir song” and “Transitions”