The Parable of the Sunflowers by Dr. Pinkola Estes

This is a lovely, insightful excerpt from Dr. Pinkola Estes’ facebook page that I wanted to post and share with you all. Namaste.

“In the midst of strife, take it on, but/and also, ever, ever, go toward the warmth of the sun, remain rooted and oriented toward the Light.

I am sympathetic and empathic to the situ of having one or many family members whom one has had a destiny with early on…. I’ve seen, heard over the years of clinical work, persons wishing they could be all of a piece with the one or the many from long ago.

And/but remember too and consider that each person on earth has their own fate separate from our wishes. What persona, what cloak each wears in life may not matter as much as the condition of their spirits and souls do… and most of all, what bar they are striving to meet in goodness.

We don’t know what journey others are on, that they agreed to. We cannot know. But we can know our own trajectories.

I urge people ever to strive to go toward those who care and are striving toward conscious considerations and life–with love, recognizable warmth of love– for these are your spirit family.

In the meantime, for those of bloodline or long ago association, we can ask that they be happy, that they be at peace, with or without us.

That is my prayer for all, too. For all. Love and limits is a gentle and strong way that holds…. for the long life of sunflowers… for the strength and beauty of the Soul. AND, for other souls who are watching, overhearing your strivings to follow the warmth, the Light, as well.”

Existing for More Than Just Ourselves: The Parable of the Sunflowers

We are like growing sunflowers,

heliotropic,

we start in the east each day,

then by day’s end,

our faces are turned west

sunrise, noonday, sundown…

To grow, we follow the light,

the warmth of the sun–

As it is meant to be

for the health

and bright faces

of the sunflowers…

lift the spirits

and teach a way of life

of all who see them…

showing

there is only one thing:

follow the light

follow the light

follow the light

no matter what else.

And when the day

or the night comes

that we are bowed

with a head heavy

with seeds, then,

and only then,

will we face only

the east, only the sunrise.

And others

will see field after field

of sunflowers matured

and think, Ah, look

even what is most ripe,

what is most full

still seeks and thrives

in the Light.

“May it be so for thee.

May it be so for me.

May it be so for us all,

each in his own way

each in her own way

as each soul sees fit.

This comes with much love for all on the rough road. There is a field of sunflowers at center, nonetheless. Please feel free to teach the Parable of the Sunflowers to children, especially. That would make many hearts, including mine, happy.”

dr.e

Excerpt “Existing for More Than Just Ourselves: The Parable of the Sunflowers” poem/prayer from the manuscript The Contemplari, ©2000, 2013, by CP Estés