Do You Know That You Matter?

What is it like to hear me say to you that you matter? You, the one reading this email right now. You Matter. You matter to me, to the people who love you, to the people who don't even know you, to all the different communities you belong to (i.e. the community of your neighborhood, your gym, your office, your church, your grocery store, anywhere you go regularly). You matter to the universe because you are part of it, made of its earth, its people/your ancestors, the sun, moon, and stars.

What does that actually feel like to take it in that you are essential in what sometimes appears to be a chaotic, indifferent world? If someone says to you, "You're important to me," does it stick? Or do you believe that when you are out of sight you are out of mind?

Or do you hear it and then forget? I know I usually forget and what a drag it is for me and for the person who told me. What would it be like if you could really take it in and not forget your value? How would you move through the world differently? How would you interact differently knowing that you are cared about? What kind of care would you then bring to your interactions?

When we understand, really understand, how much we affect each other, we become more mindful of how we meet someone (or a group) and what kind of presence we bring because it matters. When we learn to treat ourselves with care and kindness we start to value ourselves more. And when we value ourselves more, we value other people more too...because we know the difference. 

When someone leaves a group of mine and they miss the last session and don't say goodbye, what I feel is sadness. I think, "They must not have known that their presence mattered to us." We do notice when you leave and the reason this is so important is that it is the basis of our fear. All fear comes down to the fear of being separated and yet what do we do? We leave and not realize that our separating has an impact. If we don't want to feel disconnected, then we need to be conscious of our connection. It's there and will always be there, but we have to take it in. Fear can then fall away.

For over a year, the Sunday night meditation group moved online throughout the pandemic. A group that started over 9 years ago, stuck together on Zoom and kept the community going even for those who could not be on Zoom, but would return when they could. Thanks to those who held it together, we are now returning with a new in-person and online hybrid form. The community is still here. It could not exist without the people who make it up. Presence matters. 

When we practice meeting ourselves with kindness, we change the world. My invitation this week is to set the intention this summer to water those seeds, strengthen those muscles, (or whatever analogy is best for you), to treat yourself with the care that you want to see in the world, and to know that your presence matters. 

🙏🌼
Jean