On Pain

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain. And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy; And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields. And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief. Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity: For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen, And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears. Violet water and plum juice with wormwood accord, pungent tagetes, and dry, bitter, wholesome green tea. The sales from Julys scents from the Prophet series benefits SMASH Street Medic Aid and Supply Hub, who collects and distributes medical supplies through grassroots movements. Street medics have a proud history of serving communities during protests, disasters, and daily struggles when institutional systems fail. By gathering unused or soon-to-expire basic medical supplies, we create a mutual aid resource for these volunteer medics and community members who lack access to necessities.