Sunday, November 7, 2010

Contrasts


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Bing images

Contrast: transitive verb
1:  to set off in contrast; to compare or appraise in respect to differences
I chose the word above as the focus of this blog because my life has been a constant stream...a literal parade, recently, of contrasts.

I don't know about anyone else who might be reading this post, but I have been struggling. That's been happening for the past three years as a result of the economy tanking, and for me, it has waxed and waned in intensity.  As a freelance writer, I have experienced some very lean times.  For the most part, I accept this as part of the whole concept of freelancing; work goes in cycles, so you learn to plan ahead and budget accordingly.

I have observed that a great deal of similar energy has been hitting friends and family members, to such an extreme degree that I was driven to research what planetary aspects might be casting some of this energy. I can't quote specifics here because I'm not that well versed in astrology sciences, but a close friend mentioned that we're in a current difficult cycle where erratic energies will affect emotions, relationships and finances through January 2011.  Great news, right?!  Emotions, relationships and finances pretty much cover the whole gamut of our daily lives!


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Bing images
 I have a girlfriend who is on my "Short List" of friends - those people who we allow to get truly close to our hearts and that we trust the most.  This past week, she experienced one of the most unexpected, most earth shattering personal experiences within a relationship it is possible to have.  This woman is one of the most beautiful people I know, beautiful inside and out, compassionate, caring, giving, kind, funny...she's just a special Light.  For this to happen to her is bewildering, astounding and baffling.  I realize it is happening for a reason, as all dramatic occurrences do.  She is meant to learn a specific something from the experience.  I know that.  It is just such a deeply dramatic situation, of such an enormity that one must pause to comprehend the magnitude of what is happening to her.

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Bing images
Then along comes that word of contrasts. I have also witnessed some truly beautiful moments recently.  My very dear friend and partner in crime in the blogging world, Duane Scott, is getting married on November 7, 2011.  He is so happy right now that I have the mental image of him being one of those cartoon characters that is floating several inches off the ground, buoyed by love, little pulsating hearts replacing the pupils of his eyes.  He is so young, on the brink of starting his whole adult life, and he has been blessed to meet that special person at this early stage.  I can only be happy for him.  I am unable to attend the wedding, to my everlasting frustration, but I will be there in my heart tomorrow as the ceremony takes place.  Additionally, he and his new wife will be visiting me on their drive home from their honeymoon in about 10 days.  The opportunity to spend time face to face will be wonderful...an early Christmas gift of sorts.  They will both still be literally glowing with that Just Married inner light, and that energy will radiate outward. 

The friendship that I have with each separate person mentioned here has grown from these contrasting moments in each of their lives.  One friend is in the depths of despair right now, just fumbling and attempting to find enough balance to get through that next moment.  She is riding that rollercoaster of emotions and navigating her way through the stages of grief with Grace, and doing it pretty much alone.  I am not able to physically get to where she is, and can only be there via phone, texting and prayer.  One friend is tripping merrily along as he approaches one of the most important days of his young life, and he is doing it with humor and cheer.  He is posting absurd little thumbnail sketches of each progressive day of wedding build up, texting me with various "help me with this, please" requests and generally enjoying where his life is leading.

Contrasts.  These two friends and where they are in their respective lives have repeatedly brought that word to mind.  All around me, I am hearing of many people struggling with very dramatic Life Challenges.  I capitalize those two words to denote the enormity - a girlfriend's father was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer; another friend was in a very bad car wreck and she's been unemployed for over 18 months; more people than I can count are inches from being homeless because of unemployment.  Yet, in the midst of all of this, contrast comes in and I see reason to rejoice and celebrate.


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flickr.com
 I reached a personal milestone this past week that I never thought I would achieve.  I won't go into detail, but it is a milestone I am very proud of.  Yesterday, I was at the mailbox - the day was overcast and windy.  Suddenly the clouds broke open momentarily to clear blue skies and the sun beamed down onto a small patch of shrubbery and I saw a sticker or decal of a Smiley face snagged on the branches.  How could that happen, if not for the unseen hand of a Higher Power parting those clouds and directing that beam of light to find that tiny sticker?  I laughed out loud at the very clear, implicit message.  It was contrast in a very explicit manner - the gray, wet, windy day briefly gifted me with not only blue skies and sunshine, but also with a cheerful Smiley face in the most seemingly random fashion.  It was a Divine "made ya look, made ya grin, made ya laugh!" kind of message that was irresistable in the cheeky, brash humor of it all.  I admire a Higher Power that sends me this type of message!

For those who are struggling right now, I feel your pain, disillusionment and frustration.  I flit in and out of that same pool right now and I recognize the challenge it is for all of us to choose brighter, happier thoughts in the midst of so much worry and concern for the immediate future.  We all know that contrast is necessary.  Therefore, these darker moments are necessary in order for us to fully appreciate the happier times.  Without darkness, we cannot have daylight.  But the promise we have been given is a beautiful one, and that is that after darkness, there will come daylight.

I don't have easy answers for any of us who are struggling.  All I can say is that I have been captured by the fact that there is such a strong example of extreme contrast around me.  I think this is happening for a reason, although I couldn't even begin to understand the deepest logic behind it all.  I would obviously wish for the girlfriend in despair to be lifted up, reassured, comforted and given a quick resolution to her current situation.  I would also wish for my guy friend to never have to experience a single cloudy day in his brand new marriage.  We all know that neither wish can come true.  Indeed, each of these dear friends must navigate their own realities as best they can, and learn the lessons presented to each path.  As their friend, my role is to both celebrate the good times, and be supportive during the bad times.  More moments of contrast result from this. 

My girlfriend will be strengthened by this current trial and she will come out of it an even better, more beautiful version of herself.  My guy friend will go home after his honeymoon and become enmeshed in the daily challenges of cohabiting with a brand new wife, and he also will become a better version of himself. 

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http://www.artbylisa.com/

As a result of friendship with both these wonderful people, my life is blessed and the contrasts are endless.  Friendships are the defining, delicate touches of color on our Souls, I think.  Each person we allow into our Inner Circle adds a new element to our personal canvas, and in so doing, they add contrast.  I also become a stronger, more well rounded, more beautiful and better version of myself from these relationships. 

This week, each person represents that widest spectrum of contrast, and as a result, they prompted me to write this post.  I am unsure if it makes a great deal of logical sense, as I am swinging back and forth on a fulcrum....deeply sad for my girlfriend, and joyously happy for my guy friend.  The fulcrum itself is Me, and my love for both of them.  I imagine that my personal canvas has gained new depth, color and expression because of the events in both their lives this week.  Contrast continues....and we grow as a result.

23 comments:

  1. This is beautiful Dawn. So true and very well-written.

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  2. Thank you, love! I struggled to make the words match the emotions in my head and heart. It's been so painful, not being able to help that girlfriend (you know who she is) other than via long distance. Equally frustrating to not be able to attend Marticus's wedding. So I had to write it out to find beauty and balance. I just hope it makes sense to those who read it! Thanks, as always, for the vote of confidence.

    Love you dearly,

    Dawnie

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  3. The beauty is this post is the moment the clouds parted and shined a light on your little gift in the bush. It is a reminder to all of us that the sun is always shining behind the clouds in our life. Most people may have missed that gift, but because of your awareness you were able to see the blessing in the moment.
    Lots of Love,
    Deanne

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  4. Thank you so much, Deanne! I was concerned the post might be too gloomy, but it appears I was just being overly self-critical. Typical writerly angst! Thank you for your own bright Spirit, sweetheart. :)

    Much love,
    Dawn

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  5. <3 I'm glad I'm not the only one noticing all of it...and I should have known you'd be the one to put it into words so wonderfully. While I do appreciate a good contrast, I'm ready to be bathed in some wonderful white light, ready for some friends who I'm watching struggle do the same. I sometimes ask, "Am I not cool enough? How about some easy..." Alas, all things in the fullness of time, and not a moment before.

    Thank you, Dawn, I needed this post.

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  6. Thank you for this,Dawnie. I always get a more positive perspective from your writings that I hope is reflected in my own attitude about many things . .day to day. Your personal milestone . .WTG !
    L Y DBelle ><>

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  7. Beautiful post Dawn..yes, I think there is something going on with the stars for sure that is shaking things up for people. I've noticed it in my own life and posted on a somewhat similar thread. I guess riding the wave is all one can do. And yes, it's very strange the contrasts. I found out that one of my distant relatives died on my birthday. I don't know this relative, but its quite odd that a day that has brought celebration for me is a day of mourning for another family member. I guess witnessing the ebb and flow of life has been helpful. Knowing that all things come to pass, all things change is the only thing we can truly count on. Life is a mystery, but its a beautiful one. Thank you for your post!

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  8. Dawn, whenever I read your words I always take something away with me and today is no different... There are many, many beautiful lines within your post, so much so my mind is buzzing. The line that went straight to my heart is when you beautifully said 'Friendships are the defining, delicate touches of color on our Souls' I totally agree because, that's just how I sense their connection to me... Wonderful and so appropriate for helping us understand the happy and sad celebrations of life in opposite contrasts.

    Love you lots special lady, keep em coming!

    AngelJane :)

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  9. Lise, "...how about some easy?" is a PERFECT thought for all of this strange energy! I said something similar yesterday, "Lord, don't make me stronger today - I'm good, okay?" That really applies when so much hits at once - it might make me stronger at the end of it, but I'll take a day where I stay the same w/out being made stronger!!! You and I always seem to resonate on a similar wavelength & it's another little bright sparkle of joy in our friendship. Alien NOW, Lise!

    Miss Dixie Belle, how lovely to see you here! I didn't know you blogged, so I must visit your page in return! I'm so happy to hear you enjoy what I write & that this post clicked for you. Thanks also for the congrats on that milestone - you got the "code" on that one! :)

    Katherine, I'm so glad this post is making sense to several who have read it. This planetary energy right now is so dense and strange, right?! I realize January 2011 isn't that far off for it to end, but my goodness, the interim is feeling pretty monumental right now! The whole yin and yang aspect that hit your personal family is a strong example of this contrast energy. Sadness of one passing juxtaposed with celebration of a new one coming in. You're right - all we can do is observe and try to absorb the lessons when Life is handing us such dramatic examples. Thank you, my friend, for your wonderful comment here today.

    AngelJane, my darling, special girl, thank you for your kind words! Life can be such a puzzle at times, and without being able to express the melodies in my head in words, I think I'd probably be a less happy person. No, not think - I KNOW I'd be different. As it is, I write and express my Soul and others like you recognize and appreciate the messages here. Thank you for being one of my bright blessings! I love you right back! <3

    Namaste' to each of you!

    Dawnie

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  10. I love those messages too - the ones so random yet make complete sense to you! <3 they give hope I believe. Contrast does abound in this world of duality. I find myself in awe and wonder at contradiction of it all -- knowing that I could drive myself mad trying to wrap my brain around such things. But it doesn't stop me from trying from time to time =] Loved this write <3

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  11. Excellent post, as usual, Dawn! There's a reason I used you as an inspiration in a recent post. :)

    I hope things get better for your girlfriend soon, and my spirit is with Duane as well today! Wish I could have at least gotten in on the phone call where you can listen in, but oh well.

    We'll just have to bombard them with virtual rice. :)

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  12. Heather, I agree with you...we could all get into an endless spiral of thought on all the intricacies of why things work as they do! I have to resist the temptation to try and make it all make sense and just look for the meaning it has for me personally. Thank you for visiting and leaving such a great comment!

    Dave, I was inspiration for a recent post of yours? Now I want to read it! I'm so far behind on catching up on everyone's posts, so please forgive me. Can you send me the link? I'm listening to the wedding now - lots of singing going on. It's similar to a Lutheran or Catholic service, so far. Really pretty harmonies going on w/ the choir! Virtual rice is a great idea! And I can get all weepy w/out anyone laughing or rolling their eyes at me! ;-) Btw, there has been a bit of resolution for my girlfriend this morning, so that's happy news. She still has a long path ahead, but this morning brought a bit of good news. Prayer is powerful, indeed!

    Dawn

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  13. It's the link I sent you and Lisa on Facebook, though I can send it again if you don't have it.

    I'm glad that the wedding appears to be going well!!!! And it's nice to be able to be weepy without anybody seeing it. :)

    Glad there's been some progress with your girlfriend's problem, too. At least a little.

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  14. Yes, please send it again to personal email - the msn.com one. I have that somewhere, but it would take forever to track it down. I promise to read it this time! :)

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  15. I will add myself to the list of noticing the changes taking place among my friends and myself!
    Jan is not too far.... The funny thing is that I have noticed great strength among those who are going through these changes and that is what is so inspiring...

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  16. and how would sparkles shine if there was not contrast? Long have and long may the Sparkles shine.

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  17. Savira, what an excellent point you've made! We are definitely refined and made more malleable and open to change with big challenges. I think it builds character for each of us. That being said, I still could do with some days where I'm NOT challenged to become stronger! ;-) The response to this topic has at least affirmed that I've not been imagining all the erratic, unusual energies going on all over the place. Thanks, dear friend, for visiting and joining in the discussion.

    Namaste',
    Dawn

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  18. Bethie, another very good point! One of the prettiest part of a sparkle is the alternating flashes of light and dark. :) And I promise, my sparkle will always be there...as long as people recognize it, it's going to be twinkling! Love you, my friend. <3

    Dawn

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  19. This is a heart touching post Dawn. So appreciate your transparency into your own private pain. Blessings to you dear one.

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  20. How is it that you can so perfectly put into words that which resides in my heart, soul and mind?

    I am also experiencing many of these exact same situations with friends and family. You hit the nail on the head of contrasts which seem to be swirling around the world lately (all the time actually, however they seem to be more pronounced of late).

    Once again the tears and shivers abound while reading your posts - it is like you write the words which are embedded on my heart. Love you.

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  21. Just Be Real, thank you for your very kind words. That particular day this post was written was definitely one of those moments where I was balanced on a knife's edge - one side joyful, the other side full of worry and sadness. I did what works best in such times and wrote it all out of my heart. I'm glad it has touched so many people and made sense to those who have read it! Blessings back to you, my friend & thank you for visiting and walking with me. :)

    Marie, you humble me. I can't think of any other way to describe it. I write the melodies in my mind into written format, with the hope they'll make sense to a few. Sometimes it takes a special eye to read more deeply beneath the surface to really "get" me, and I think you always do that. It always makes me smile and encourages me to continue writing. I love you, darling lady! <3

    Namaste' to you both!

    ~ Dawn

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  22. Ah, the waxing and waning of life. Thanks for the inspiration, and may you find smiley faces in the bushes every day.

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  23. Laurel, thanks for the chuckle! Wouldn't that be an awesome little nod from the Almighty/Universe, to receive smiley faces in random spots thoughout each day?! I hope you and I get to connect in person very soon. Happy Holiday!

    ~ Dawn

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