Hi Jackie, I so understand this and can relate on many levels. I also am certain that it is never too late. Thank you for sharing. 🙏
Hi David, I feel the same way! :)
Hi Peter, I know...it was very painful to see that beautiful, healthy tree taken down. It broke my heart. 💔 I realized that I want to say something more about this in the story itself. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Mitulkumar, Yes, " the quiet, daily growth"...love that.
Theresa, thank you for this beautiful sharing. I so loved when you said "I have also come to understand that the person I was during a difficult chapter of my life is not the person I am today. ❤️
So beautiful Bonnie. Thank you for this.
I felt this shift when my beloved dog, who I dearly loved, was sick and up for many many nights extending into many months. She had also lost bowel and bladder control. I would find myself feeling irritated or annoyed...I didn't want to feel that way, because I loved her dearly, but with little sleep over a long period of time and cleaning up messes on a regular basis I did. One time I remember so clearly seeing her and the situation with different eyes....eyes of compassion. Compassion for her and her situation, her loss of health, her inability to function the way she wanted to, her pain and suffering and it shifted and revealed the beloved with me...the 'sound of wings'......I am so grateful for that experience. I found as time progressed this compassion remained even though the lack of sleep, disruptions and soiling remained. I was able to be with her with so much gratitude and appreciation because of the presence of the beloved within me. 💖
Beautiful ...... 'Maybe peace is something we remember.'
❤️
There's a part of me that does not want this to be so. As I read Pema's words, I sense they are true, but my first thought is that I wish they weren't. There is something about resistance to breaking through the illusion of permanence. The desire that somehow and somewhere there is permanence.......something to hold on to. Ground that stays ground and is a safe landing place that can be relied on. So.......it's that part of me that needs the tenderness, comapssion and the courage to face 'what is' and accept that I don't know what is coming, what is perceived as good, bad, middle ground or where it is all heading. It's a young and tender part. So I listen, stay and accept that this resistent, young part is there and also know there is another part of me that is willing to accept what is and open my heart and mind to what is possible.......thankfully, I love them both.
Love this and especially loved the explanations of hope, optimism, skepticism and cynicism. Thank you!
The idea of hope as a practical response resonates. It's not saying anything is 'for sure' but rather there is a possibility for positive change. I can get behind that.......I'm reminded of the difference between healthy trust which carries healthy skepticism and blind trust, which does not . I appreciate this!
Thank you Susan for this thought provoking piece.....I wonder where it is that we decide to trust? Trust our inner guidance, others and the mystery of life itself. It seems that in that place of trust depth, freewill surrenders to a greater will......and 'not knowing' becomes bearable. I'm wondering if the release of freewill anchors trust and enables a greater manifestation of one's courage, strength and creativity?
This story brought tears to my eyes. So much good in our world. I love the way in this story the man's dignity was preserved.....what a wise father, to understand that need as being as important as the need for the money for the tickets. I sense not only was the man able to take his family to the circus but also felt a deep sense of belonging and loving care. True service from the heart.......
I just recently took a course on humming. Humming helps to regulate our nervous system and tones our vagus nerve......the nerve that wanders throughout our body and leads from the brainstem to the abdomen. It regulates heart rate, digestion, inflammation and even our mood so it's important for overall well being. Humming actually stimulates the vagus nerve and helps our body 'rest and digest'. It's the vibration of humming that travels through the body and reduces stress and brings a sense of calm. I love the idea that mother earth is humming........a love so great that even in the midst of all the harm that is happening, she reaches out to comfort and calm us. That truly is love beyond measure.....