Once every ten days or so, a friend of mine and I have what I call a “physically distanced” visit over a cup of coffee – enjoying conversation and longing for a hug at the end of our time together. On our last visit, this little frog was in a window box outside the kitchen.
For as long as I can remember, I have been fond of frogs. At my maternal grandparents’ house, hearing a frog was both fun and exciting. It meant that the next few minutes would be spent looking into the center of the different plants on the porch until ultimately, the tiny face of the frog I’d heard earlier peered up at me as I giggled with delight. As a kid, I held the frogs, delicately closing my small fingers around it; a fine balance between holding too tight and having the frog jump out of my hands for holding it too loosely.
The fine balance between two seemingly opposing energies is present in much of my experience these days. When I feel stretched between the two, I feel the tension and excitement in my body, the pressure and release in my heart and the push-pull of my thoughts.
Lately, I’ve found myself needing to consciously focus on coming from compassion. For myself and for others. If I can remember to accept myself exactly as I am each day, I have a better chance of being compassionate towards others.
And, I believe that in compassion lies the ability to hold on…just tight enough.