Relationships
The heart of the matter...
A little over a year ago, we bid a sad farewell to our 11 year old Border Collie, Scarlet. We’re also approaching a one year anniversary of the sudden passing of our 31 year old blue and gold macaw, Cleo (aka Cleopatra). With two major losses (and first anniversaries) in close succession, it doesn’t surprise me that I woke up this morning contemplating relationships.
The complexity of them.
The simplicity of them.
How much we (and by “we”, I mean all sentient beings) need them.
We need to relate to others.
To have others relate to us.
To belong.
To be seen. Heard. Understood. Known in a meaningful way.
Relationships can compel us to be courageous in ways we might not have considered possible.
To tolerate pain and discomforts we would not otherwise allow others to inflict.
To risk more than we might be willing to lose.
Haplessly. Hopelessly. Helplessly. Happily.
Over the past year, I have adopted another little bird: a white capped Pionus named Tango. At 22 years of age, I don’t know how long this relationship will last - Pionus parrots have lifespans that range from 25 to 40 years. I do know it will only end when one of us passes. Date to be determined…by the Gods.
This uncertainty unnerves me.
And I would not have it any other way.
What do you risk to be in relationship? What do you risk for love?
Consider the wisdom of Kahlil Gibran:
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.
~ On Love, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran