An Open Letter

A friend of mine shared a video with me today he dedicated to those who suffer in silence.Those who want to end their lives. Those who swing from one extreme to another. Here is a special message just for you. You aren’t alone. In the video, you may not be able to read the words, but you can feel the tenderness. Please know that you are Someone who matters.

In his words:

Many youngsters, primarily girls (some very tender with their minds) today are suffering from the demons of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, many times due to image crisis, often put on them by others who don’t know what pain someone is going through.

Lack of empathy is something that needs to be brought to light.
They suffer and never tell anyone about it. They don’t deserve this pain. Each one of us deserves love. So, I felt I too need to do something, so I wrote this letter. If you can relate to this, it’s for you. Please smile.
If anyone ever wishes to counsel about anything that makes you sad, never hesitate to write me a message. I understand. I care. I’ll do whatever I can, as long as I can. [I might have a machine face but I’m very much human within]
Never forget that you are loved

I was inspired by this young man’s heart and earnest desire to reach out to others. Let’s cultivate an open heart within ourselves. Pema Chödrön writes, “It is unconditional compassion for ourselves that leads naturally to unconditional compassion to others. The first step is to develop compassion for our own wounds.” If we can manage to show ourselves self-compassion it flows naturally towards others. It doesn’t take much to give kindness to ourselves…then we connect to the riches of our souls we are empowered to share that same abundance with the others. Be kind to yourself. Embrace your essence…all of it.

My Brilliant Image

One day the sun admitted,

I am just a shadow.

I wish I could show you

The Infinite Incandescence 

That has cast my brilliant image!

I wish I could show you,

When you are lonely or in darkness,

The Astonishing Light

Of your own Being!

By: Hafiz