Few go through life without being broken. Here is comfort.
In times of pain and mourning, I have searched for reasons. Far from finding definitive answers, I did find some thoughts that comfort me.
There’s a crack in everything; that’s what lets the light in.
— Leonard Cohen
Life is harsh, and this famous quote by Leonard Cohen resonates deeply with many. It gives us hope that our brokenness is not in vain.
But what does it mean to let the light in?
Understanding is light.
When we have been hurt, we can better understand the hurt of others. Empathizing matters since empathy can lead to action and change.
Sometimes the change is in our attitude. Seeing someone struggling to make it through the day, whether a co-worker or someone on the street corner, we can choose more empathy and less judgmental condemnation.
This involves choosing. Rather than becoming like the ones who do the hurting, we can be mindful of how our brokenness affects us, as we see others struggling. We can choose to remember to be kind.
Our hurt can be a reminder of the deep moan of brokenness everywhere. It is not limited to us.
Psychology Today explains that empathy can often result in caring and helpful action, but that action results from a separate decision.
The reason that empathy is so important, even if there is no observable action taken, is because we are heard and our feelings are validated.
— Elizabeth A. Segal, Ph.D. in Psychology Today
Being heard and validated matters.
Empathy is valuable. Understanding others and what they may be going through is the first step to inward and outward change.
When the brokenness is from seemingly random events, accidents, wars, or illness, the need for empathy is not less.
The longing for comfort and peace is a heart cry heard around the globe. It is the hope of empathy, and the change that can bring, that gives comfort to the broken.
Drink Deeply of Joy
We are only human. The well we draw from needs to be deep to continue caring.
Whatever refreshes your soul — go there.
You will know the best places for refreshing in that these places do not hurt others.
For some, their faith provides a place to draw strength from.
Faith has been an inspiration and comfort to me. I don’t believe I would still be on the planet except for faith. The years of silently battling suicidal thoughts were long. I am grateful they are behind me now. I knew the comfort of my Creator’s arms during those years. I will not forget.
There are other foundations from which people recognize the need to make the world a better place for all. More power to each kind-hearted peacemaker of all types and countries.
It’s not just for yourself that you want to keep healthy. Your mental and emotional health is a blessing to others since it is the place you draw your strength from.
Comfort can be found in nature. The wind, waves, sunlight, and trees seem to sing of comfort and hope. A kind creator may have placed that there. Whatever you think, it is available for all to drink from.
Times when my brokenness is overwhelming, prayer and music have been meaningful.
I love the unusual prayer position of laying flat on the floor on my back with arms outstretched, open to the Creator’s work in me. I call them ‘wet ear prayers’ since the tears tend to end up there when in that position. 🙂
Dancing or singing along with some favorite music is also a wonderful release at times.
As the storm abates, I remind myself to be thankful. I remind myself that I am not alone. I pray that I will remember to be compassionate in practical ways to the other broken travelers I encounter on the way.
After all, no one gets out alive. I dare to hope our beautiful and broken world is not all there is. But that would be another article.
Here is my hope and my prayer — that the light of understanding can reach us through our brokenness, encouraging more understanding and compassion. Shine on kind hearts.
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