The Hidden Well

Life, as contemplative as it is, can quickly turn into a lonely and daunting place when we linger too long within the confines of our own minds. Introspection is a valuable tool for self-discovery, but spending too much time locked in thought can isolate us from the world, cutting us off from the support we often need to move forward. When doubt and endless questioning make the mind feel like a labyrinth, it’s natural to turn inward, hoping to find clarity. Yet, there’s a delicate line between reflection and retreat. Dwelling too long in our thoughts can obscure the path ahead, blinding us to the quiet, steady energy that surrounds us – the force of those who love us and remind us of our worth, even when we can’t see it ourselves.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things… 1 Corinthians, 13

Anchored by Illness, Reaching for Connection

For days now, I’ve been suspended in this space of contemplation. My illness, persistent and unyielding, has anchored me to a state of horizontal stillness. The hours stretch endlessly as I lie on the couch in my living room, watching time pass. Even the act of tracking movement or following the flow of conversation becomes overwhelming, worsening my symptoms and leaving me drained. Motionless stillness is all I can manage, as though I’ve been forced into a retreat within my own mind, navigating this physical and mental space with no choice but to reflect. Yet, even in this state, the longing for connection persists. Despite the haze of illness, there remains an innate desire to reach beyond this isolation and share – to break through the quiet of my solitude and engage with those who understand me best.

Sharing invites vulnerability, with fears of misunderstanding and exposure lurking beneath the surface. Imagine the rush of unease that envelops me as I transfer my thoughts to paper, fully aware that they will soon be laid bare for others to read. For the past fifteen years, my professional life has revolved around writing, logical reasoning, strategic thinking, and the art of design and planning. I’ve crafted countless projects, often revisiting the “old” ones to breathe new life into them. Yet, with each act of creation, I find myself silently beseeching: “I hope I haven’t penned anything foolish, technically foolish.” But the agitation of technical missteps pales in comparison to the angst of revealing something more personal, something intimate.

Love as the Quiet Force That Guides

This small act of sharing has revealed its own kind of power. It’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always come from within; it’s often sparked by the people who see our potential when we can’t. In this stillness, I’ve come to realize that true power is a quiet force – delicate and sometimes hidden, like a whisper waiting to be heard. It reveals itself in gentle forms, often seeming elusive even when it’s quietly present before our eyes. It’s like a well of might that rests just beneath the surface, patiently waiting for the right moment to be embraced. Its true essence lies not merely in its existence but in our capacity to recognize and nurture it.

Love, like many facets of existence, often resides in the shadows, quietly awaiting its moment to reveal itself.

This journey, daunting as it may be, is illuminated by the belief that love, like many facets of existence, often resides in the shadows, quietly awaiting its moment to reveal itself. We spend so much time searching for love or strength in grand gestures, yet they’ve been guiding us all along, unnoticed. Perhaps love, in its most enduring form, does not demand recognition but rather waits for us to acknowledge its presence, leading us forward when we most need it. By embracing this truth, we may uncover a wellspring of strength and compassion within ourselves, ready to be shared with the world.

In the stillness of introspection, what hidden forces have illuminated your path? I would be grateful if you shared your stories of strength and connection.