One Balanced Life

I attended an amazing event this past Friday in support of Seane Corn's Off the Mat Into the World initiatives. Sarah Longacre was able to raise $22000 in one evening! The money will go toward building a birth center in Uganda. A magical night filled with wonderful people and inspiring speakers, Krista Tippett of Public Radio's Speaking of Faith and Matthew Sanford, author and my newest inspiration.

I have heard of Matthew and his work off and on again over the last few years. I have encouraged my husband to take a yoga class with him but hadn't made a personal connection until this event. And I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have heard him speak. As the room quieted, he spoke of trauma and loss. In addition to the loss of movement from the chest down due to an automobile accident at the age of thirteen, like me, he has experienced the loss of a child (you can read more about my experience here). I was beyond moved by his willingness to share his story of healing and transcendence.

I rushed out to get his book and within sentences was captivated. His description of silence captures a feeling I have never had words for...

"Silence is the word I use to describe the empty presence we experience within our experience – between our thoughts, between each other, between ourselves and the world. We feel the silence when we daydream, when we appreciate the beauty of a sunset, or when the love of our life truly walks away. It is an inward sense, often experienced as a longing or an ache. It is a feeling of emptiness and fullness at the same time.The silence is the aspect of our consciousness that makes us feel slightly heavy. It is the source of the feeling of loss, but also of a sense of awe."

Again so deeply appreciative my journey led me to this book and Matthew's work. If you find yourself at the bookstore or library I encourage you to take a moment and read a few pages. You'll be hooked.