When the Love Story Ends

“Whether we notice it or not, the ground is always giving way, disappearing into the vast chasm of impermanence and inconceivability, where our understanding of a line or two of ancient text doesn’t begin to reach. To suffer a loss or heartbreak is to live the irrevocable truth through which one’s own wisdom awakens. It’s the hard way to wisdom, but it’s the only way, and the path is well-worn. When the love story ends, take the path that lies before you, and it will always lead you out of suffering.” Karen Maezen Miller in her article Waking Up Alone in Shambhala Sun

Such profound words. When I read them, I felt as though the author had peered into my soul and wrapped her hands around its essence. Loss…the thread…intricately woven through my life…the source of my pain, my growth, and any wisdom I might have gained in living. I know I am not alone. Every day I share my life’s journey with  others who travel a similar path. The loss of a lover, a job, a home, a child…the loss of hope, freedom, joy, passion…the loss of meaning, purpose, direction.  Loss pervades our earthly existence, even when we choose to ignore it.

There must be an ending before thee can be a beginning. We must suffer loss to move forward. Loss causes the ground to give way and we must travel “the vast chasm of impermanence” before we come out on the other side.  Loss of our dreams, our spouse, our health are so profound that we are stunned by the “inconceivability” of such eventualities. Yet they are real. They are permanent in the most heart wrenching of ways.  We must, and can, grope, forge and fight our way through the pain and suffering to allow the wisdom that lives within each of us to awaken and take root. Whenever we experience an ending, we need only “take up the path that lies before (us). It will always lead (us) out of suffering.”  Become a wisdom warrior. It is your destiny.