A Prayer For My Suffering

May my suffering not harden me

But awaken compassion

May the pain I carry

The ache of loneliness

The voice of longing

Become a doorway to deeper connection

May I learn to touch

What feels unbearable

With gentle hands

And presence

And peace

May I not turn away

From the restlessness 

Or the tender places

Inside of me

May I meet my pain

Not as an enemy

But as a messenger

And invitation 

To soften and listen

May my suffering

Become part of the great weaving

A thread of healing

For myself,

For others

For this world

So in need of compassionate presence 

My I remain devoted to awakening

Even when the path feels long

Even when I feel lost

And when I forget,

May I remember

That life is still here

Waiting to meet me 

By Tanya Cameron