| 06 April 2010
Each year as Easter rolls around I am reminded of the magical story of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. For those of you who have not read it, a children’s book first published in 1922, it is a story about a toy bunny and his desire to be REAL. The Velveteen Rabbit journeys through love and loneliness to become who he was really meant to be, a story that inspires us all on our own journey to be REAL.The tale’s fundamental messages are, first of all, to accept our uniqueness including our imperfections, and to aspire to develop the noble character traits of kindness, integrity and wisdom – authentic to our true nature and purpose.
Speaking our truth, being genuine in the moment, are challenges that we conquer as we wander through the minefields of life. Some days we step awkwardly, setting off bombs as we go, some extinguish themselves, yet most, probably all, lead to many of our life’s biggest lessons. On the other hand, some days we are diamonds, we feel physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually balanced and nothing can bring us undone.
The key is to just follow our truth, the REAL within ourselves. To not be discouraged if we falter or fall down along the way, to learn to express ourselves as honestly and clearly as we can from moment to moment, and to integrate those parts of ourselves that many identify as the “shadow”.
There are times in our lives when too may voices seem to be pulling us this way and that. Our very confusion in such situations is a reminder to seek silence and centering within. Only then are we able to hear our truth.
As humans we seem to all have a self-destruct button, which sometimes can switch itself on unconsciously, leading us back to familiar but often frustrating old patterns of behaviour - Ego in action. Feeling free to acknowledge and show these parts of ourselves allows for vulnerability, which in turn allows for both healing and integration, blending us into the unique individuals that we perfecty are.
The Velveteen Rabbit confronts some of the most essential questions can we ever ask: “Who am I? Do I have worth? What is life all about?”
So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half asleep, even when they’re doing something they think is important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.
In magical joy with self love and shared laughter, always remembering to embrace every thing with integrity, gratitude and forgiveness… this is what it means to be in REAL time.
Angela Stapleton©2010
