We all carry burdens, it is human to do so.
Some are private, some we are not aware of, and some are collective burdens that
we carry together. There are times when our burdens feel so heavy we may slip into despair.
At times we feel strong and have the strength to help others carry their weight.
Grief is universal; we share this pain in common and in commonality we persevere.
At times, and in this time, it is important to shed the weight of our burdens, if even for a moment,
so our spirit can soar in the lightness of the blessing to be here now in this human existence.
Under the sun and upon the earth we are here, living in glory, pain, joy, humility, all alone,
all together, sharing the experience of our ancestors in this present moment.
So as we release these collected burdens, remember we are together in all time past and
future. We share this human experience, we are bonded in our pain
and together we travel this mysterious journey in buoyant vessels of light.
So for now let your burdens rise and dissipate like smoke in the wind, if only for the moment,
and hold this moment precious as this lightness exists eternally within, always available when
burdens feel most dark and heavy. Let this moment of freedom, lightness, and awareness
expand and be your inner strength of wisdom; let this feeling expand our hearts that we may
hold ourselves and each other in a brilliant circle of love.
Burden Boat
Carilion Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia
2014
The Burden Boat was purchased by the Carilion Hospital and resides permanently in their lobby. Visitors are invited to write their burdens on pieces of paper that are provided and add them to the hull. Several times a year a ceremony is conducted in which the papers are burned and the burdens released.