A diamond is formed with pressure and heat, deep in the earth over millions of years. When found in its rough state, the potential beauty of the gem is rarely apparent. It has to be cut and polished to appreciate its facets and brilliance. I viewed examples of this refinement in the historic collection of famed jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels, in Milano’s Palazzo Reale in February, 2020. It was the last exhibit I viewed before Italy locked down due to COVID 19.
The analogy I give to gratitude as being a “diamond in the rough” is because it’s often the pressure of life’s experiences that hones our own inner beauty. When we are able to conclude that the struggles, trauma and grief on the earthly plane are all for our Higher Good, we can begin to have gratitude for learning lessons such as forgiveness, patience, courage and understanding.
The photos included here I took at the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibit. I’m reflected in a mirror that was installed in the display case to show off the gems and was actually standing to the left of the jewelry shown in the photo below. I like how the beautiful jewels seem to be floating in the air, hovering around the viewers, something that wouldn’t be noted had it not been for the angle and reflection. Things we have to be grateful for are often like this… around us but not seen because of our limited perspective.
It was my pleasure to recently speak about this topic on Dr. Jean Farish’s inspirational VoiceAmerica LOVE LIGHT program. With a variety of speakers and topics every week, Dr. Jean’s show is all about promoting more love, light and positivity in the world. Her warm authenticity, compassion, and ability to engage others in thought provoking discussions has made her program one of the most listened to on the global VA Empowerment network. I truly am honored by her invitation to participate in this latest LOVE LIGHT broadcast.
You can listen to our conversation here.
