Each passing lifetime

I have always looked at critical moments in life as the end of a lifetime. Each end bringing forth a rebirth as we emerge as new beings. The paths these lives take will help define us and forge the new versions of ourselves in the fires of our passion. Everyday hammering us towards the final shape we shall take and exist within. Some of these lives can last decades and some are gone in a breath. We don’t get to decide how long they last and often one ends before we think we are ready to be reborn. We aren’t always returned stronger nor weaker in fact the changes can be so subtle that we take notice only at the end of that life. The different events of each life greatly impact the person that is created at the end and they can be as inspiring as they are traumatic and in many occasions, if we are fortunate enough to really digest the importance of what unfolds, they can be both. Its a beautiful balance that seldom seems balanced at all. More often than not the lives we live feel like we are running full speed down hill while pushing tremendous weight up hill simultaneously. An impossible feeling that captures the randomness of life itself. The rare instances when we are aware of the passing away of oneself are painful and often surprising. The end is never what we expect it to be and often comes with a swiftness that leaves us stunned. We are so conditioned to view the end of life as a tragedy that we mistake these rebirths as something that can only come from loss and deep sadness, but we must see past the scab and look at the tender meat beneath. Yes the sorrow is deep enough to drown in, but we must remember that even babies are born with an innate understanding of the strokes which would help them swim, and swim we must if we wish to not drown on our journey. The transitions from old to new life are rarely born of some great victory that helps unlock some new confidence or a bolstering of ego, some strength born of greatness. No these transitions come at great cost and often bankrupt our spirit and will, and strength tends to be formed when we are most sore and exhausted. Our hearts so over exerted that they give out just long enough for our lungs to grasp at the air and our hearts to restart signalling a new day as a new born. May we appreciate the fragility of each new life and learn from each lesson at the end of the old. May we embrace the many lives we live making each one richer and allowing ourselves to drink from the many fountains we encounter. Each dispensing the many emotions that intoxicate us with humanity. May we learn how to take the wealth of the soul and replenish the coffers of our spirit and will. Take not for granted the many lives that touch you and share with you their light and love, for they are what can make each life so worth living, and when their light dims the darkness that follows will eclipse the sun.