The Transmutation Of Pain

With aging and experience comes wisdom.

Respect for my limitations as a human being.

Acceptance of the constancy of pain on planet Earth...

the pain of humans, animals, and the Earth herself.

It is everywhere I turn.

I am not responsible for the dissolution of this pain.

I cannot heal it.

I cannot take it away.

I cannot extinguish it.

I tried so hard for so long,

that I nearly extinguished myself.

Equanimity is the key...

Surrendered acceptance of the shadows

and light within and all around me.

The transmutation of pain is made possible

only through bearing compassionate witness to it.

As I remain open and hold space for what is here,

all darkness transforms into light.