“Meraki.” [may-rah-kee] Modern Greeks often use the word ‘meraki’ to describe “doing something with soul” … when you put something of yourself into whatever you’re doing. Meraki is about creative, loving, soul-awakening acts. Whether preparing a meal … caring for a garden … creating something artistic … caring for someone who is ill, lonely, grieving, in pain … arranging a room … praying for a situation/person … whatever. If it’s done with soul, with passion, with love, then it’s ‘meraki’.
An ancient Chinese proverb offers a gentle reminder of ‘meraki’:
“If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”
This weekend in some parts of the world, some are sharing ‘light in the soul’ … ‘meraki’ … in acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, loving gestures/actions as they mark Valentine’s Day. Expressing ‘meraki’, they are letting another know that they are ‘hearted’ – loved’.
Sadly, while of this is happening, some are alone, receiving none of the above. They are lonely, isolated because of illness, weather, the pandemic, grief, hurt feelings, poverty, self-hatred, fear. This Valentine’s day of commercial love is anything but a day of soul, of joy, of love. Where is the meraki for them?
If you are one of those people, my hope is, if only for a moment, you will consider yourself “hearted,” and loved, and receive a little cyber Valentine ‘heart.’ May you experience the love that went into their creation.
May your Valentine’s Day week be a little brighter than it might otherwise have been and bring a gentle flicker of light in your soul.
May the wise Chinese proverb come to fruition so that there will be “light” in each soul … “beauty” in each person … “harmony” in each home … “order” in each nation … “peace in the world.”
May this Valentine’s Day be a day of meraki in many ways in our world.
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As always, you are welcome to share.
(June Maffin https://soulistry.com)
© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry
Thank you for this June and for the lovely Valentine’s heart.I send you my love and prayers.
Oh my gosh , June!! You have certainly turned scraps and pain into spirited love! Your contemplation time has once again tapped into a deep well within. Thanks you for sharing it with us!!!
This is so beautifully written, June. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your soul, so full of goodness, with others at this time when we do take the time to express our love and care for others.
Hi June – you always give of your soul … to encourage all others. Gorgeous to read and to see – love the Chinese proverb which tie in so well with your thoughts here.
Dear June, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful meraki. Your love shines through your artwork and your words are inspiring. I have been experiencing moments of meraki throughout this pandemic without being aware of the concept. Once again, teacher, you have enlightened me. Warm hugs and many thanks for being you. XXXOOO Debbie
You also are loved and appreciated !
Dear June,
Another special piece. Thank you
Doreen
Thank you June, for sharing this.
How beautiful and heart-filled with love this is!
June, this is a lovely reflection, and it’s one I will remember. Thank you for your loving thoughtfulness.
Such a beautiful reflection, June! Grateful for your meraki moments that you generously share! The zen tangle is so creative!!!