Return to Innocence
I cannot go back
to the innocence of old,
But there is a new one
to be discovered
(Have hope my soul!)
Innocence based in wisdom,
anchored in Love,
Not based on trust of another
but in trust of self.
Not based in ignorance
but in the power of greater knowing.
It is tested, it is proved.
It is the innocence of alignment
with Self and Source.
I cannot unsee what I have seen,
But I can see anew…
From the inside out.
There is a different kind of innocence that can arise, in time, after betrayal or tragedy. You’ll grieve what is lost, and that’s an important and necessary part of being able to move forward. This new kind of innocence is different to be sure, and it comes from our ability (and choice) to learn, grow, forgive, and keep our hearts open. It is a brave choice, because when innocence is lost, the world no longer seems safe. How can we trust again? And yet we learn to live from the inside out. In time as we heal, we learn to trust ourselves above all others. With self-trust, we no longer need to rehearse old stories to keep ourselves safe. We grow wise, listen inside to our inner wisdom, honor and advocate for ourselves, and keep ourselves safe. We go from being unaware and the innocence that rests in inexperience, to the innocence we claim and which exists with our new awareness. This is not an easy road to take, it requires practice, but leads to greater joy and to a larger, richer life.
One thing we do is drop self-blame. We didn’t know. We will not take on the responsibility for the choices of others. Should have known better? Who says? I’ve not walked this way before. I now know and recognize something I didn’t know or recognize before. I forgive myself for not putting pieces together or connecting the dots.
For those who read last week’s post and had such kind words, who reached out in support, and for those who shared their stories with me, I see you. I see the wonder of who you are. And I believe so much in this second, wiser kind of innocence. Innocence with eyes wide open.