The Silence of Now

I was at a funeral in Bendigo yesterday. Aunty Nell Caelli died a few days ago and was burried at White Hills Cemetary.

It was a lovely service in the small church that Aunty Nell loved so much. She was such a wonderful part of many people's lives for so many years. I know it's a cliche, but she will be missed.

During the service, I took a moment to step into what I call "the silence of now". That's what refer to as the real heart of myself.

There's a stillness there in the centre of your being that brings great peace and light. It's a place where you can allow the emotions to come and go; a place where memories are clear and bright. This is where you can access your inner knowledge, your memories, your connection to all that is.

While I sat there, partly listening to people telling us the many ways Aunty Nell made an impact upon their lives, I reviewed my own special times with her. Frozen in time forever are little snapshots of hot cups of tea, homemade scones, cakes, slices, jams, smiles and laughter.

Memories are great things! They don't always have to hurt, you know. We have the power to remove the sorrow, the pain, the negative baggage we humans so love to drag around with us.

So, I removed the sorrow and left happy, loving memories for me to look back on and smile along with.

I found myself smiling during the service. Maybe some people thought I was an idiot.

When I did shed a tear or two, it was for Uncle Noel. They'd been married for 59 years. Nell was the love of his life, and now she's gone. I felt for his pain and that awful, aching emptiness that settles into your heart at times of great loss.

I know she's waiting for him. I don't think they'll be apart for too long. What a joyous reunion that will be! Until then, like the rest of us who've loved and lost, he'll find a way to endure, a way to live on. I wish I could introduce him to the silence of now, but, like so many older more practical people, it's a concept that would be too alien for him. I'll send him loving, healing thoughts and energy instead.

At times of tragedy and sorrow we really need to find the silence of now. We need to find the quiet centre of ourselves and be at peace with our grief; to accept it, own it, embrace it, see it for what it is and love it as a part of ourselves. It's only then that we discover the joy and strength that hides within its depths.

Love and light to you all.

Brittany