“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” – Chinese Proverb

Wulfenite

As the days grow colder and darker into the winter season, with germs being passed around and limbs less mobile, it can be difficult to keep our selves alight and inspired. ..

In my line of work I am surrounded by gems, rocks, and crystals on a near daily basis. Recently I sat down when it suddenly dawned on me, although already obvious on some level – that the very same streak that pierces through the center of a moonstone is the same streak that often reflects to us its luminous rainbows. Over time, in caressing and admiring a variety of minerals, fossils, pearl formations, and quartz clusters I have also come to the realization that the same stress, friction, and damage that they have undergone is what has made each of them the unique formations that they are. Similarly, each of us as humans and sentient beings may undergo many shifts and experiences that make us out to be the interesting, complex individuals that we are, perfect in our imperfections.

It’s easy for us to see the beauty in crystals, rocks, and gems, but not so easy to appreciate our own “cuts and bruises” so to speak. We have been conditioned to believe that there is something wrong with us for having the so-called conditions that we have, emotionally, mentally, physically or spiritually. Just as a diamond, ruby or sapphire, we are precious no matter what we feel, because our feelings and emotions don’t define who we are. They are only passing through us, if we allow them to.

When we repress our emotions or they otherwise somehow become stifled, then our health suffers mentally and physically. In turn, things, people, and certain other cares and affairs in our life also suffer the consequences of our repression or misplaced energy.

Like many minerals, humans have “bands” of energy that separate certain areas from others. The “Emotional Body” as it has been seen in the human aura, is generally situated between the layers of the physical body itself and the “Mental Body”. The Emotional body often serves as a kind of go-between, carrying messages and impressions from body to brain, brain to body. The emotions are like prisms through which we perceive the world, thus the sayings “seeing red” or “green with envy”. They alert us to danger, inform us of opportunities, and nudge us to change when we’re stuck.

This is a time to remember and to consider the blessings not only of our previous success but of our suffering, the gifts of our hardships, the wisdom we have gained through such experiences, and the challenges that have built our character.

Appreciate yourself, you have come so far!