Communion

From time to time I like to read back through some of what I have written. When I do am filled with a sense of peace knowing that entering into the field of counseling I will be able to give back to others from my own experiences; especially my past suffering. There is something to be said about giving to others from the well of hurts we carry. The hurts become lighter. The scars become less visible. When you are able to provide awareness, offer peace, or comfort another in such a way, there is a feeling inside that this is what we are made for. Community. I hear that word a lot.

When I imagine community, I imagine many people in union with one another. All of them hold his or her own individual self and ideals. Yet, they are in communion with one another. Communion comprised of a willingness to set down defenses and care for one another in spite of their differences. You need not have to share 100% of the beliefs of the other. The only requirement is to allow the other person to just be; and love them all the same.

Drawing from your own well of experiences makes this easier. It's hard to hold judgement against another when you remember the many ways you gained your own wisdom and knowledge.

I hope to live a life where I strive for community in every setting I find myself in. Whether it be with friends or family I have known for years, or a trip to Wal-mart where I make small talk with the cashier. I hope I am constantly reminded of the joy that others can inspire when I am willing to engage. Although people can be the very ones that spark feelings of annoyance, anger, frustration, and sadness, what would my world be without them? Besides, if my heart feels heavy due to an encounter with another, it is only my heart that I can seek to change.