The paradox that loss and absence, properly honored, teach us to be fully present with what and whom we still have.
Mirabai devoted herself to Krishna with the intensity of longing—separation was her spiritual practice. The pain of not having what we love becomes the very fuel for devotion. In collective grief, this principle operates powerfully: the death of someone we cherished or the occurrence of tragedy teaches us the fragility of presence. We suddenly see with clarity that everyone we know will someday be gone. Rather than leading to despair, this realization can awaken us to the preciousness of the living. Collective mourning of public figures can catalyze personal recalibration—we reach out to loved ones, we listen more deeply, we show up more fully. The separation we grieve collectively becomes an invitation to practice presence in our immediate lives. This is Mirabai's paradoxical gift: absence teaches us how to love what is actually here.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.