IN SOFTNESS WE MELT

Our second value is softness. Going further and deeper into the first value, slowness, I saw the worth of softness. From all the painful experiences, intense moments of suffering, but also from the most miraculous periods, I have learnt that approaching life with softness brings you a more magical and profound human experience. Because shortly said, when we soften, we surrender. And when we surrender; we can take in life in all its colours, even more bright and unique. For years, I hated my omnipresent emotionality, my gift of feeling deeply, my nature of being soft and vulnerable. And only now, I see all its beauty.

Softness is a quality that holds immense strength. In a world that often values hardness, rigidity, and assertiveness, embracing softness can be a revolutionary act of (self-)compassion. Softness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a state of openness and honest vulnerability. When we allow ourselves to be soft, we invite grace and fluidity into our lives. Just like a gentle breeze that can bend but not break a tree, softness enables us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and adaptability.

One of the most powerful aspects of softness is its ability to foster connection and empathy. When we approach others and ourselves in a soft and compassionate way, we are able to open our hearts wider and create a safe space for mutual understanding. Softness allows us to listen deeply, to speak with kindness, and to offer support without judgment.

Moreover, softness can be a potent tool for self-care and inner peace, a form of radical self-love. Whether it's taking a warm bath, practicing gentle yoga, or simply allowing ourselves to rest, softness offers a sanctuary where we can replenish our spirits and recharge our energy.

Embracing softness also means embracing our own humanity. It's a reminder that it's okay to be gentle with ourselves, to honor our wide variety of emotions and to embrace our imperfect flaws. Softness gives light to the harshness and criticism, living inside our minds (or should I say, in the ego?). It simply invites us to let go of the need to be constantly strong and in control (and maybe we can just start to see vulnerability as actually being strong). It simply remembers us to surrender to the ebb and flow of life with honour and acceptance.

By cultivating moments of softness in our daily lives, we can tap into a wellspring of inner strength, connection, and peace that has the power to transform not only ourselves but also the world around us.

I have been searching for ways to make life more soft and I am happy to share them with you. Out of the heart of my own experience and gained wisdom. With 'the gentle moon' I am offering various practices, allowing you to incorporate more softness into your daily life. So stick with us and discover the profound beauty that lies in the gentle nature of being human.

With gentle kindness,

Luna

Photographer: Chadia Guerti

Surrounding: Kalmthoutse Heide - Belgium