Broken Pieces by Monica Gelinas

Broken Pieces

As the seasons come and go in the physical realm, so do the seasons of life in our souls.

Some bring new adventure, some bring breakthrough, some bring brokenness.

It is easy to share, post and celebrate the adventure and breakthrough, but what do I do with the broken pieces?

My self-compassion training has opened my eyes to see the potential for beauty in reconstructing the broken pieces.

Most of us just throw away a broken vase or bowl.

The Japanese have a different belief and practice. When they have a bowl to mend, they make it shine by filling the cracks with gold. All the cracks and scars were not hidden.

Of course, in all eyes, it was not what it used to be, but in a collectors mind, it was made more beautiful and worth a higher price.

When I taught mindful self-compassion classes, I would close with the song by Peter Mayer featuring the art of Japanese bowls. The lyrics permeated my mind and heart for many weeks.

As I notice our families, children, supporters and my own friends and family  experiencing hard, pressing and challenging life situations, I pictured each one 

or myself as a beautiful “bowl” in formation.

I am free to let my imperfections, cracks and brokenness show. I choose to see others with the same mindset.

Maybe to those who experience various levels of suffering and hardship and brokenness, it can bring hope and help them to feel and know they are not alone, allowing themselves to be fully seen.

This practice and mindset can be a priceless gift in every season of life for ourselves and others. 

Thank you for making me so mysteriously complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it.  Psalm 139:14