Shards of Glass
Sharp edges of glass—there for no reason other than how the object was broken. Not there to teach, not there to cause harm, and yet they do. When stepped on or brushed against, they cause pain and even injury to the skin. The intent of the glass is not harm, but harm may still come.
At times, others may be like shards of glass because they are broken-unintentionally causing harm through either their actions or simply their very being. The lessons learned—by you or the one injured—arise from the interaction itself.
Like a porcupine or a cactus, these beings are only existing in their natural state, yet they still may cause harm to those who come too close. The lesson, then, is discernment. It’s your part to learn not to pick up the porcupine, or to brush against the cactus.
When there is a wide-open path that avoids such encounters, why take the one that veers toward pain? Is it the flower on the cactus that draws you in—or the ubiquity of the porcupine? You may appreciate their beauty, or satisfy your curiosity from a distance. You may even go in for the experience. But when you encounter it again, will you not remember to keep your distance—and to appreciate from afar?
There will be many such elements on your path through life. You are not required to support, brush against, or be harmed by them again and again. With each encounter, you learn—not only to recognize by sight, but by the vibrational imprint of something that lives on a different frequency… one that may cause harm.
Listen with your internal ears. Let your intuitive guide determine the level of interaction that is right for you. Enjoy the scent of the flower without being pricked by the thorn. Witness the beauty of the porcupine without being stung by the quill. Marvel at the absurdity of the cactus without brushing its furry thistles.
Stay the course. Do not be drawn off the path you have set.
There will always be distractions—people, experiences, shiny objects, shopkeepers calling for your attention on a busy market street. Nod and keep walking. Use your own guidance system to receive minimal lessons in the form of pain. Continue on your path of flow. Of ease.
That is not to say there won’t be the occasional shard of glass beneath your feet. But you may bless it and walk gently around, avoiding the resounding echo of past traumas.
