The Integrated Turtle

I had just finished an emotional session with an amazing young couple. Both of them, brave souls with trauma filled backgrounds. I went on a long run to reflect and release and then I saw this guy (pictured above). A thought occurred. That beautiful shell is the pain and the need to protect. The little head popping out, is the courageous willingness to risk for the possibility of deep vulnerable love and connection. The pain never disappears, but with time and deliberate effort, the pain becomes part of the larger experience of what it means to be human. But only part of that wonderful experience.