Softness

              Must we always be tough and strong? It would seem so to look at earth as it is at the present time. We emphasize strength and we look to those who show it as those who can lead. Fortunately in the last generation there has been some shift to the characteristics of compassion and sensitivity. Still, we lean toward the strengths that are needed in life in various ways. Money can give people a sense of strength. Power and control can substitute for strength. We may have in our environment examples of visual strength such as gates or security measures. There is no denying that strength is needed but how often do we hear any importance given to softness?

              Softness is seen, many times, as weakness or vulnerability. We limit areas where softness is acceptable, for example, being with babies or small children which allows for an atmosphere of softness. We also see and feel softness when there is love being expressed and perhaps there is vulnerability there in its expression. What is the reason then that we cannot approach life with some softness? Is it so difficult? Is life so full of hardships that we must always carry our masks and our shields of protection? Most would say it can't be done, that there would be too much hurt, or one could be too much of a 'push-over', yet it is not often understood that it takes strength to be soft, to show a gentler approach. True it is that this cannot be in all situations, but how many take time to bring it into their lives, to balance out the hardness, the toughness that is sometimes needed on a daily basis. Too often, the persona that is needed for a work day is brought home. There is no shift to allow room for a soft side. It is not that the softness needs to be shown outwardly, but there needs to be room inside for a soft approach. If we can see this softness as a different view of life, a different attitude toward life, then we can bring bits of it to the side of us that must show strength. And, to those who already know how to be strong and soft, share this balance, show by example, and be willing to let the vulnerability that you feel show also. If we think of strength as a foundation, then we can think of softness as the windows that let in the light.