Adaptation Part 2
May 31, 2025
Adaptation Part 2
One of the most challenging things to adapt to is loss. A significant loss is devastating, regardless of how much we struggle to limit our egos. Why is this so? Shouldn't spiritual seekers be immune to the effects of loss? Aren't they so connected to the Divine that they are above grieving? Not so. When we go through loss and adapt to our new reality, we must go through the grieving process, regardless of our spiritual insights.
Grief is a product of love. Love is the commodity of the soul, and loving relationships are vital to its nurturance and progression. So, the loved one's particular soul qualities are the lifelines of our spirit. In a sense, losing a loved one removes the specific type of love they manifested to us. Without that person, we do not have access to the essential aspects of the soul that they supplied us in ever so intimate ways — ways that only that person or animal could express because of our history with them. We are bereft.
Our loved ones express specific aspects of the Divine inherent in them but not in ourselves. Therefore, we "outsource" these qualities to our loved ones. That is why our relationships with loved ones are so essential. And the loss of our exchange of soul qualities with a loved one leaves a tremendous gap in our soul.
In the grief process, however, we slowly let go of that sacred attachment and though they are in our heart forever, the soul qualities of others sweep in to soothe our pain. Of course, no one can ever take the place of the cherished loved one, but our soul adapts to the loss by accepting others’ love that, in time, heals our spirit.
Spiritual practice: Is there some sacred attachment you lost that requires more healing?
Self-inquiry: How have you adapted to having lost something or someone precious to you?
Dear God,
Open my heart to the many ways you send love to me. Let me embrace all these soul qualities of others that my spirit thirsts for but that I cannot provide for myself. Amen.
