On Being Welcomed and Welcoming

A kinder way of being.

Loving the Journey — acrylic painting by Cheryl O Art

Welcoming is a wonderful thing.

To be welcomed is to experience a genuine warmth; a comfort in belonging; a freedom to be yourself.

Those who understand how to be welcoming shine their warmth on all who approach them. They are a living testament to a better way of life. Kindness and mercy are their compasses in all they do.

The wounded struggle to embrace this way of being. They have learned to hide away, to fear sharing who they are. Who can blame them while the pain lingers? I cannot. I hid myself for many years.

To be welcoming is to be bravely vulnerable. Unafraid to show one’s true self with all its flaws and glories. Encouraging others to do the same.

There is hope. Hope that the brightness of those who understand welcoming can coax us from our cocoons. A mist rising to the sun, we long to unfurl wings we thought were only real in childhood dreams. Faith is needed when learning to fly.

In sharing words, we reach to be welcoming to others during our brief stay. In listening to the words around us, we learn to welcome others.

To be welcoming is a brave and kinder way of being.

Be Welcome Here — a poem

The water dazzles.
It sparkles in unending motion
With kisses from the sun.
Warmly I am absorbed into the love affair.
The shore welcomes me.

The wind whispers.
Moving through the trees caressing
The leaves intimately.
Softly I am absorbed into the love affair.
The forest welcomes me.

The bees dance.
Nuzzling the beauty of the flowers
Carrying the life source.
Shyly I am absorbed into the love affair.
The fields welcome me.

I speak softly.
My inadequate words exploring
These intimate moments.
Read and be absorbed into the love affair.
You are welcome here.
Cheryl O Art

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