Shot in the Heart 5-3-11

With the opening of the heart, in exposing one's vulnerabilities, the soft under-belly, can come Grief -- the shadow of the Fourth Chakra.

Lately I've been dealing with a close family member struggle with sobriety.  Watching my loved one struggle and fail over and over again is like being shot in the heart -- the hope of recovery and then the overwhelming loss when there's a relapse -- the concern that they won't make it -- the powerlessness I feel to do anything, but watch and pray and give them  up to God.

The work for me is to stay in my own serenity -- like the face of the Buddha in the picture.  The gun is pointed at the heart, but there is no fear or worry, only a deep trust in Divine connection.