Flourishing Friday

The words of this piece caught my attention when I first came across them, as I thought they provided a beautiful depiction of the meaning behind suffering and tests we may face as human beings. "This is the rainy season. If the rain does not pour down, if the wind does not blow, if the storm and the tempest do not rage, the soul-refreshing springtime will not appear. If the clouds do not weep the meadows will not laugh." I found these words so thought-provoking that I was inspired to put them to music. The piano accompaniment and tune were composed by myself and the track submitted above is a live recording of my playing and singing. I think the meaning behind the words is very relevant to theme of both mental health and flourishing. Sometimes, when faced with grief or depression, we can get so bogged down that we struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and get get caught up in a helpless feeling of despair. The analogy used in this quote helps us to see that suffering of any kind, whether mental or physical, can be a stepping stone for our development and flourishing as human beings, in the same way as a spell of stormy weather can stimulate the plants to thrive and prosper into a beautiful springtime. So, although at times we may feel we are caught up in "the rainy season" with no hope in sight, we can rest assured that not only can pain be transient, it can also help us blossom into stronger people. Knowing this can be a source of great comfort, but it is important that others help us to climb out of what can seem like a rabbit-hole of depression, with active support and assistance. Fortunately, today there is a much wider scientific and medical understanding of mental health illnesses, and there are multiple forms of help that can be sought including counselling, therapy, and medication. But it is important also not to overlook the power that spirituality and/or mindfulness can have through the form of sacred writings like this quote, which was written by Abdu'l-Baha, as part of the words of the Baha'i Faith. Regardless of a person's spiritual or religious beliefs, the meaning behind words like these can be another source of healing, especially when presented in a more universal, creative and accessible form such as music, which I have attempted to do in this submission. To quote the great musician, Stevie Wonder; "Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand."