The Textures of Life
navigating life in all its seasons
The Full Measure of a Man is not to be found in the man himself, but in the colors and textures that come alive in others because of him. ~Albert Schweitzer
Textures can be smooth like silk, soft yet rough as a threadbare muslin, crisp like a freshly starched shirt, delicate like a piece of lace. Though these initial thoughts are on fabrics, there are so many beautiful textures all around us! What do you see around you? Is it the grass now growing lushly as the winter has moved toward spring? Is it the way the light hits a particularly gnarly trunk of a tree? Is it petals unfurling on a flower or the paper thin fragility of a butterflies wing?
The Fabric of Life
Our emotions are the windows through which we perceive the world abroad. Those emotions come to fruition and are delivered to us by way of our experiences with those around us. Many of us are unaware of the correlation between our emotions and how that which exists deep within our hearts has a tangible effect on the world we create.1
Each season of life is comprised of multiple textures. These are reflected in the experiences we have, how we wear them, how they affect us, how we grow from them. Do we wrap up in them like a comforting blanket in front of the fire or we feel vulnerable and want to hide? Do memories flood in like a crisp cold breeze that takes our breath away? Do we feel battered by something rough against our skin?
How we respond to all of these varying textures (experiences) is what makes us who we are. As we navigate this life and all of the seasons that make it up, we may be tempted to immerse ourselves in the comforts of the past, or if difficulties lie there, look wholly to the future. It is wonderful to be nostalgic or dream yet not at the sacrifice of living in the present; even if it is an uncomfortable moment right now.
As I mentioned previously, the act of acceptance or forgiveness can be a huge catalyst for release of the past. It can allow us to view in those experiences from a place of neutrality/acknowledgment, taking what lessons are offered and moving on to the present time. This process brings us strength. In equal measure, those times of great excitement, ease, love or camaraderie also shore up the texture of our fabric giving it the resilience to bring us comfort and durability for whatever the next season brings.
Releasing the past does not mean writing it off or forgetting it. It is more allowing it to soften like a much loved flannel. Right now as I continue to process the passing of my mother (six months ago this week), I feel the crisp memories, peppered with laughter, that leads to a lacy wistfulness followed by tears, and then back to laughter again. My mom’s advise is with me always during this process. The textures of these feelings make up our views of the world and our place in it. What textures are you currently feeling in your life?
Until Next Time,
Part of
24 essays club