The house in your heart

Hello and thanks to each of you who read "Continuation."

(Some of you told me you were unable to leave a comment and i appreciate you bringing it to my attention. I think it's fixed.)

So many responded, and i love hearing from you. Whether you tell me your story or not, i know that we all have a small library tucked away -- there are complicated poems with elaborate flourishes or vague allusions, litanies and lists, epics, short stories, romances (happy and heartbreakers), and mysteries. Here's a story from my Nana collection:  When my granddaughters would spend the night, and they were settled in the big bed we shared, i'd ask them to describe the tiny house that is their heart. How is it different than last time? What have you done to make it more truly yours? Did you change the color of the door or add a koi pond? We go through each imaginary room, laughing again at a shared joke or remembering the taste of fresh tomato bisque. Each of these bright moments added to the home's warm glow. Finally, i'd ask them if something had hurt them that day, if they'd worried about something, or if they had done something they later regretted. Occasionally, one said yes, and we'd consider some solutions. Then we'd take her little problem out of the house and blow the pain away, leaving just the lesson, to be kept in a book in her library.

Once, i told a friend about this ritual, and she was as delighted as a child at the thought of creating a house that was her own in every aspect, a place that truly reflected who she is and how she's grown, with spaces for whimsy, nurture, and reflection. Let me tell you right now, we never outgrow the need to be tucked in and kissed, to feel safe enough and sure enough to open our heart and see it as a home. If you weren't given that as a child, i give it to you now -- no, you give it to yourself. Get comfy in bed, close your eyes and take a big breath. Let it out slowly. The world around you dims and you see a little house taking shape. It's yours; open the door and go in.

Sweet dreams ~
     Suzanne