Second Gate of Grief: The Places that Have not known Love

Dear one,

Today, we’re opening the door to a tender place within you – the second Gate of Grief that Francis Weller calls “The Places That Have Not Known Love.” Take a deep breath. You’re safe here.

Imagine a child – perhaps it’s you – standing in a room. Parts of this child glow brightly, cherished and celebrated. But there are shadows too, corners where the light doesn’t reach. These are the parts of you that learned to hide, the pieces deemed unacceptable or unlovable.

We all have these places. They’re born from moments when we needed love but received criticism, when we reached out but were pushed away, when we shined brightly but were told to dim our light. These experiences taught us to tuck away parts of ourselves, believing they were too much, too little, or simply wrong.

These unloved places aren’t flaws – they’re wounded pieces of your beautiful, complex self. They’ve been waiting patiently, hoping that one day, someone would see them, accept them, love them. That someone is you.

As you stand at this gate, you might feel a mix of fear and longing. It’s okay. Those feelings are welcome here. This journey is about bringing gentle awareness to these neglected parts of yourself. It’s about saying, “I see you. You matter. You belong.”

Grieving for these unloved places isn’t about dwelling in sadness. It’s a profound act of self-love. It’s reclaiming the wholeness that has always been your birthright. As you tend to these wounds with compassion, you create space for new life, new joy, new possibilities.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to trusted friends, a therapist, or a support group. Sometimes, the simple act of sharing these hidden parts can begin the healing.

So, dear one, are you ready to meet yourself with open arms? To hold space for all that you are? The journey through this gate may not always be easy, but on the other side lies a more integrated, authentic you – fully seen, fully embraced, fully alive.

Take my hand. Let’s step through this gate together, with courage, compassion, and love.

You are worthy of love, all of you. Always have been, always will be.