Departures

As I sit here at the gate, post-friend visit/retreat I contemplate the weight and feel of the many departures that occupy our lives.  Sometimes it is the small things in life that count, and in this shrinking world filled with air travel and cellular wavelengths, we have the power once in a while to show up. And showing up, however briefly, is a gift in itself. Both to the one who arrives and soon departs, as much or perhaps more than for the ones who receive the arrival.

There is a weight to departures. I have felt it often, beautiful and painful sometimes in equal measure. In it there is the painful childhood heft of a the oblivious protector who walks out the door daily, or does once, in a more permanent or impactful way. Just at a moment in time when it was harder to bear, or more presence was needed. Or something immense and terrifying was about to happen in the void that remained. When staying put might have been a good alternative, at least for those being left behind. But leaving is also an art form, when done mindfully, that reminds us of the things we hold dear; connections can be forged and strengthened in all our comings and goings.

It might be best if we paused just a little longer at each threshold, to
wait for a response. It is important to look back, at least once, and measure once more the need for escape, before stepping outside the circle. This is a practice of patience and fearlessness, a momentary investment of time that gives away the last word, the last breath. Not listening for the first, or the second, or even the third meaning inspired by longing or anger or surprise. But the one that fills the space when all words have failed as have the listeners' ears, to hear the true cost and measure of love.

Departures are reminders of the sweetness of life, though this can be lost if we are in a rush to leave.  Sometimes you need to re-enter the space. Let it unfold. Trust that all will come home into this silence before closing the door behind you. The quiet opens up into truth, like a bloom - the grace of goodbyes well and mindfully done creates the space for beautiful returns.