FEEDING YOUR HEART

“No matter how dark, the hand always knows the way to the mouth.”

~ Idoma Proverb

Even when we can’t see, we know how to feed ourselves. Even when the way isn’t clear, the heart still pumps. Even when afraid, the air of everything enters and leaves the lungs. Even when clouds grow thick, the sun still pours its light earthward.

This African proverb reminds us that things are never as bad as they seem inside the problem. We have inner reflexes that keep us alive, deep impulses of being and aliveness that work beneath the hardships we are struggling with.

We must remember: the hand cannot eliminate the darkness, only find its way to the mouth. Likewise, our belief in life cannot eliminate our suffering, only find its way to feed our heart.

~ Sit quietly and, with your eyes closed, bring your open hands to your mouth.

~ Inhale as you do this and notice how, without guidance, your hands know the way.

~ Breathe slowly, and with your eyes closed, bring your open hands to your heart.

~ Notice how, without your guidance, your heart knows the way.

The Book of Awakening

~ Mark Nepo