The Depth of the Valley

I talked recently about objectivity…but….seeing the whole picture, standing on the mountain, is just half of the equation. To appreciate the view, to value true peace of heart and mind, in retrospect, it is necessary also to understand and have patience while in the valleys. When you are in the midst of the valleys, the mountains can look so high. I ask you to stop and appreciate this moment. Though you may currently be in a valley, there is something positive to be learned here. Everything we experience will have its place in our future wisdom.


The fertile valleys, sediment, can be likened to the subjective state of mind, governed by fear-- soil is toil. It is the learning that any seed can grow and endure, but it is also the “how” that is important. We sometimes lack windows. Life becomes wretched and paralyzing. We wear blinders that are painful to discard. We have experiences that make us feel more than we are able to support, more than we are emotionally prepared for. We have subjective and ultimately, unnecessary, engagement with anything negative or everthing perceived as negative. Life, dear friends, is full of experiences. I’d like to remind you that situations come and go from the minute we are born. It is understanding how to be at peace in those interactions that is important—never is it about who is right or wrong.


Pain and anger come from fear instead of love. Climbing out of the valleys means letting go of that fear—embracing the idea that every experience, whatever it is, leads to growth, peace and love—and in the end—wisdom.