We all have thorns in our flesh. All of us. Love is when we stay and help someone pluck out their thorns one - by - one and they do the same for us. Love is also when we pluck the thorns out of our own flesh, one - by - one. But today, the world teaches us that we shouldn't even see those thorns, that we should only see the petals. As a result, we don't know how to love ourselves and we don't know how to love others. Stay with the darkness, and bring that darkness into the light. It's there, look at it.
This quote offers a profound insight into the nature of love and self-awareness. It emphasizes that everyone harbors flaws, pains, and vulnerabilities—symbolized by thorns—that are often hidden or ignored due to societal pressures to present only a polished exterior. True love, whether directed toward others or ourselves, involves recognizing and tending to these imperfections rather than avoiding or denying them. The metaphor of plucking out the thorns, one by one, illustrates the importance of patience, care, and honesty in healing and growth. It suggests that real connection demands vulnerability—accepting both light and darkness within us. Modern society often advocates for appearances of perfection, encouraging us to focus solely on beauty (the petals) and ignore the pain (the thorns). This creates a barrier to genuine love, as it discourages acknowledgment of our struggles. The call to 'stay with the darkness' and bring it into the light is a reminder that healing begins when we confront our inner shadows, accept them, and work through them. By doing so, we foster authentic relationships and foster self-love rooted in honesty and compassion. Recognizing the thorns in ourselves and others is an act of courage that leads to deeper understanding, empathy, and ultimately, true love—a love that embraces the whole person, imperfections and all.
