Old man

Old man take a look at my life, I’m a lot like you. ~ Neil Young

I awoke this morning only to find my Dad staring back at me in the mirror. His gentle but faded eyes, his weathered skin, his wavy hair that lacked the body and shine it once had. Yes, I have indeed become my Father.
But a book that I am currently reading by Thich Nhat Hanh speaks about the inner child. And how we are not only a product of our parents, but very much are our parents. Just as our children are us. There is a continuation that his been accruing for generations, and will continue on long after this body has gone. We are separate yet the same. We are unique, yet similar.
Childhood fears and suffering are carried through a lifetime, and passed onto the children. When we as children do not understand how to process these things, we carry them a lifetime as well, and pass them onto our children also.

If we can go back to this inner child and allow him or her the space to express themselves, we can begin to heal and end this cycle of the generations. Comforting your inner child, you can show this inner child that you are grown now and safe. There is no more need for fear and uncertainty.

Healing of your inner child can bring about a communion and peace within the self. Accepting the safety of this present state, and the impermanence of this life. There was nothing to fear back then and there is nothing to fear right now.

I smile to that old man in the mirror. It’s good to see my Dad again. I can see the love he has for me in his eyes, and I look back at him with love and gratitude.

My Dad always used to say “all things in moderation Son”. Perhaps he was trying to teach me the middle path all along.

May you be well, happy and peaceful.