Bringing Joy to Wounded Places

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Story & Experience

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On 17th June, 2023, I set out on my journey to bring joy to a wounded place. I did so wondering why I was doing this on my own. Why had I not invited other people to join me? As I walked the mile to the spot I had chosen, I carried joy, the bird and the beautiful banner in my hand and had a candle in my pocket.

(First photo)

 

As I walked, I thought of why the place I had chosen was wounded and what I was doing to bring joy to it. The spot is at the back of a building site and at present is a mess.
(Second photo)
As I placed the banner, robin and joy amidst the rubble, I lit the candle and said a prayer.
(Third photo)
I prayed for all the people who have been wounded by the actions of other people, whether the wounds were intended or not.
As I prayed, I connected with my experience of doing a solo vision quest a few years ago. I realised that I was on another solo vision quest and that it was important for me to do this journey on my own too.
I know that I brought my own wounds to this space which currently looks a mess, as well as honouring the wounds of people I know and care about and people across the world.
This spot is now sacred. When the building work is complete, I will plant a tree in this spot. It will become a focus for me to continue to recognise, acknowledge and gently give space for wounds to heal.
In time to come, I will invite others to share this journey with me.

 

On 17th June, 2023, I set out on my journey to bring joy to a wounded place. I did so wondering why I was doing this on my own. Why had I not invited other people to join me? As I walked the mile to the spot I had chosen, I carried joy, the bird and the beautiful banner in my hand and had a candle in my pocket.

(First photo)

 

As I walked, I thought of why the place I had chosen was wounded and what I was doing to bring joy to it. The spot is at the back of a building site and at present is a mess.
(Second photo)
As I placed the banner, robin and joy amidst the rubble, I lit the candle and said a prayer.
(Third photo)
I prayed for all the people who have been wounded by the actions of other people, whether the wounds were intended or not.
As I prayed, I connected with my experience of doing a solo vision quest a few years ago. I realised that I was on another solo vision quest and that it was important for me to do this journey on my own too.
I know that I brought my own wounds to this space which currently looks a mess, as well as honouring the wounds of people I know and care about and people across the world.
This spot is now sacred. When the building work is complete, I will plant a tree in this spot. It will become a focus for me to continue to recognise, acknowledge and gently give space for wounds to heal.
In time to come, I will invite others to share this journey with me.

 

Additional Photos

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