In ancient Hebrew, there was a word – “hevel”. There is no direct translation in English, but it lands in the space of futility (kind of). It is often used when thinking about the relentless march of time and the inevitability of death. It sounds a bit dark, but I feel there is a gentle, loving whisper of acceptance for what is. And the invitation to look at the here and now is pure delight. So, I think I honour the tenderness within me through the lens of hevel.
By having more patience with my husband is becoming more forgetful and confused. I know that some, maybe most, of my irritation and impatience are covering up fear.
While I don’t own an animal, I love watching animal videos on the Dodo website! They are usually so heartwarming and positive. They bring out the tenderness in me, and the wish for all sentient beings to be safe and free of being.
By letting it show, thus inviting others to honor their own tenderness. If we wore our hearts on the outside more often the world would be a gentler place.
If I think of the tenderness in me, as my
sensitivity. I can honor it by freely
expressing it. I am a sensitive person
after all. Of course, growing up male,
I was/am ridiculed, judged, teased, and
bullied for expressing sensitivity or
tenderness. Really, expressing myself
freely can be an act of strength. Call
me what you want. It’s okay. Now I understand
it’s your way of expressing your un-ease
with where you are on the sliding scale
of “masculinity and femininity”.
“If we hold our vulnerabilities and sensitivities as sources of rich information about how we deserve and need to be treated, and if we honor ourselves with compassionate care, we can forge an abiding friendship that will deliver blessings into every aspect of our life, and into the lives of others.” Kristi Nelson
How can I honor the tenderness within me?
By admitting and honoring the power of vulnerability that dwells in us all. We crave security when life calls us to risk. As I pondered this question this morning, a poem began to form. It’s rough and I will probably revisit it so this is not it’s final form but I’m willing to share it because I know that sharing here each day has taught me to honor the tenderness within me and the tenderness within each an everyone of you. Maybe, the title will be “Try a little Tenderness.”
We rant and we rave
and we judge and we joke.
We laugh and we cry
We jab and we poke
at Life.
We deny our feelings
because we have been told
that to feel
is weakness
We must be bold
So I come to the foot of the cross
where Vulnerability hangs.
I hear the words.“Father, forgive them.”
And I feel the pangs
of tenderness.
I witness how
the willingness
to be vulnerable
changes passion
into compassion
Let us all have eyes to see
and ears to hear.
Let us all have the
willingness to try
a little tenderness.
By forgiving myself when I mess up. Also I can be kind and patient with others…honoring my inner qualities. I loved todays quote…we should never be afraid to start over…and what a refreshing and exciting idea that is.
Don’t think of paying back to those who helped me. Think of Pay It Forward (the movie that was released in 2000). Like somebody in our community already said. Passing the tenderness on to someone else is the way I honor the tenderness in my life. Additionally, accepting those who refuse to receive our help with kindness is also a way to honor tenderness in life I must learn.
Making eye contact and greeting children with a smile. Rarely children do not reciprocate with a smile or a wave. Always warms my heart and hopefully theirs.
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In ancient Hebrew, there was a word – “hevel”. There is no direct translation in English, but it lands in the space of futility (kind of). It is often used when thinking about the relentless march of time and the inevitability of death. It sounds a bit dark, but I feel there is a gentle, loving whisper of acceptance for what is. And the invitation to look at the here and now is pure delight. So, I think I honour the tenderness within me through the lens of hevel.
By having more patience with my husband is becoming more forgetful and confused. I know that some, maybe most, of my irritation and impatience are covering up fear.
I appreciate your openness and honesty.
Thank you, Yram.
While I don’t own an animal, I love watching animal videos on the Dodo website! They are usually so heartwarming and positive. They bring out the tenderness in me, and the wish for all sentient beings to be safe and free of being.
Externally – By revealing it to the world and sharing it with others.
Internally – By ensuring I check in with it to see what it has to say.
By letting it show, thus inviting others to honor their own tenderness. If we wore our hearts on the outside more often the world would be a gentler place.
If I think of the tenderness in me, as my
sensitivity. I can honor it by freely
expressing it. I am a sensitive person
after all. Of course, growing up male,
I was/am ridiculed, judged, teased, and
bullied for expressing sensitivity or
tenderness. Really, expressing myself
freely can be an act of strength. Call
me what you want. It’s okay. Now I understand
it’s your way of expressing your un-ease
with where you are on the sliding scale
of “masculinity and femininity”.
“If we hold our vulnerabilities and sensitivities as sources of rich information about how we deserve and need to be treated, and if we honor ourselves with compassionate care, we can forge an abiding friendship that will deliver blessings into every aspect of our life, and into the lives of others.” Kristi Nelson
How can I honor the tenderness within me?
By admitting and honoring the power of vulnerability that dwells in us all. We crave security when life calls us to risk. As I pondered this question this morning, a poem began to form. It’s rough and I will probably revisit it so this is not it’s final form but I’m willing to share it because I know that sharing here each day has taught me to honor the tenderness within me and the tenderness within each an everyone of you. Maybe, the title will be “Try a little Tenderness.”
We rant and we rave
and we judge and we joke.
We laugh and we cry
We jab and we poke
at Life.
We deny our feelings
because we have been told
that to feel
is weakness
We must be bold
So I come to the foot of the cross
where Vulnerability hangs.
I hear the words.“Father, forgive them.”
And I feel the pangs
of tenderness.
I witness how
the willingness
to be vulnerable
changes passion
into compassion
Let us all have eyes to see
and ears to hear.
Let us all have the
willingness to try
a little tenderness.
Amen, Carol. Lovely, lovely poem. 🙏
This is gorgeous!! What a beautiful comment and poem! I thank you so much for giving me peace every single day as I read your comments.
By being tender with those around me. Feeling it and sharing it!
To be aware that it exists in me and I express it to others.
By forgiving myself when I mess up. Also I can be kind and patient with others…honoring my inner qualities. I loved todays quote…we should never be afraid to start over…and what a refreshing and exciting idea that is.
I agree, Nannette. That quote really
opens up some freedom. I like to
remember that every day, I can make amends and move on.
Patience with myself, kindness to all people/creatures.
Don’t think of paying back to those who helped me. Think of Pay It Forward (the movie that was released in 2000). Like somebody in our community already said. Passing the tenderness on to someone else is the way I honor the tenderness in my life. Additionally, accepting those who refuse to receive our help with kindness is also a way to honor tenderness in life I must learn.
Express it whenever it arises.
Making eye contact and greeting children with a smile. Rarely children do not reciprocate with a smile or a wave. Always warms my heart and hopefully theirs.
I feel blessed when I grownups smile at me. Sometimes, it seems to express they understand just what might be going on in my mind.
Let it always shine bright……