“Please remember, it is what you are that heals, not what you know.” – Carl Jung
This weekend I invited a friend who is dealing with a long-term illness to come hang out with us. Her husband called me afterwards to tell me that is exactly what she needs. When I asked what I could do to help, he responded that she just needed more of the same. Time spent just being with little ones.
I love spending time with my kids. But I often get wrapped up in the logistics – preparing food, changing diapers, keeping healthy. So it often surprises me when my friends visit and say, “That was good for my soul.”
There is a lot of mystery in what is good for our souls. But in this context I understand that to mean that being around humans that are so close to the source helps us shed a few layers. When enveloped in activities that have only to do with the fun of the moment, we get to leave behind the news, our plans for becoming something and maybe even our worries.
As I was talking with my friend’s husband, I realized I kept asking what I could do and his consistent response was just to be. It reminded me that isn’t just kids that can be good for our souls. Anyone committed to just showing up with each other and fully being is far more restorative than much of the busy-ness grown-ups often cook up. As Carl Jung says, “Please remember, it is what you are that heals, not what you know.”
Surprised By Joy 
Amen Wynne! The older I get the more I realize and miss the ”kid time’ I was blessed to have had with my little ones who often taught me to Stop – Look – Listen to things I was too busy to notice and enjoy. A quote by Pastor John Ortberg comes to mind . . .
“We are drawn to children, saints and poets because they see things we have forgotten to see.”
Be Blessed Lady.
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What a wonderful quote from John Ortberg – I hadn’t heard that. Thank you for sharing that. It does sum it up so well. Thank you, Fred! Sending warm thoughts to you!
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Thanks for this post. I needed to be reminded of this.
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Jane. It’s something that I need to be reminded of often. 🙂
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It’s wonderful that you and your kids were able to help your struggling friend to just be. What a wonderful gift and a great lesson learned as well for you!
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Thanks, Ab. Sometimes I forget as I’m stepping over the legos on the floor what a gift it is so it’s nice to be reminded! 🙂
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Oh those Lego pieces are wonderfully painful reminders. 😆
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