Daedalus is seen here having to let go, leaving his past success and acclaim behind, as he's lost all his wealth, experiencing poverty, insecurity, and he's full of worry over his adversity. More profoundly he's lost his self-respect, having confused his self-worth with material security, causing him to loose his sense of direction and faith in himself.
When we edify material success, whether it be in the form of people, places or things, there is a price paid. Ultimately we must take responsibility for the part we've played in becoming our own worst enemy, like Daedalus has become.
However personal transformation is always possible, the kind that goes soul deep.
Making a conscious choice to be kind toward ourselves and to forgive whatever it is that we have done, or how others have wronged us, forgiveness can make the difference between starting over and redefining what it means to be successful and bring us to wholeness once again.
As Anne Lemott states is her new book, Hallelujah Anyway Rediscovering Mercy, " The way to feel whole is through mercy."
We harden ourselves in many ways to life Anne Lemott says. By practicing forgiveness and kindness we can soften that hardness. Denying others forgiveness and kindness, we deny ourselves, and visa versa.
In order for kindness and forgiveness to prevail, there will be no cruelty, but only mercy.
