Welcome back.
It’s been a while since I last posted here. As some of you know — and have enquired about — spinal surgery took place on April 10 and all went well. I was released the next morning and been advised that recovery can take as long as two months. So, back to nerve pain in the legs and minimal activities. But, following the fiasco of my body’s addiction to opioids, I’m refusing to take any pain meds. I’ve begun once-daily shuffles down the block with the aid of crutch and 4-wheel walker. Many dear people have assisted me me with cards, gifts at the door, emails, food baskets, prayers, assorted stews, pizzas, and soups, offers to drive me, do laundry, go shopping, take me to a café, walk the dog – boundless expressions of loving kindness.
Deep bows of gratitude.
I started blogging here eight years ago by reflecting on the ups and downs of my experience through the lenses of Zen & Mindfulness. Starting today, I’ll say less about me and concentrate on providing you with links to academic research (starting tomorrow), books and articles, online events, and local courses. Anything to help you cultivate your practice.
May your heart awaken to the joy in each moment.
Dear Daishin, Glad you are up and about. You have been an intrepid inspiration to many people with your intimate frank notes about your experience. I very much encourage you to keep your blog personal. Those brief glimpses you offer of your very human experience is why I read your blog. Much love, patience and wisdom! Hogen
And just as I thought that my socalled ego was taking up too much of my blog posts, Zen teacher Hogen encourages me to continue letting it guide my writing. Welcome everything, eh?
In his latest collection of words, published posthumously, Leonard Cohen — composer, poet, singer, Canadian treasure, and former Zen monk himself — points toward the Middle Way:
the creature who says
“me” and “mine”
need not bend down in shame —
along with lakes and mountains
the ego is created and divine
(“The creature” in The Flame, 2018, p. 43.)
May you be free of pain and sorrow. May you be at peace. With love….
Your kind words run through me, Nigel. Separate email underway. .
I am so relieved you finally had surgery. I wish you complete freedom from pain. On January 2 I had spinal fusion surgery which delivered me from most of my pain. I have had painful setbacks since; however I’m mostly on the mend. I’m filled with hope for your healing as well.
Aging with you has been helpful. I’m sad you’ve chosen to share less of your personal life in the future.
Dear Brenda, you paved the way for me, may we heal together, each as we deserve. As to sharing less, my Zen teachers is encouraging not to. See my reply to Hogen above. I value our encouragement.
Dear P
So happy you are on the road to recovery:)
So grateful to have this blog. I have learned so much.
Deep bow
Tracy
“And now that I kneel / At the edge of my years / Let me fall through the mirror of love
Leonard Cohen, published posthumously in The Flame, 2018, p. 23, first stanza.
Sending you healing blessings, Peter. May you be light-footed very soon.
Light-shuffling more like, tossing aside rented Walker, nimble as a man of 75. Thank you, Judy.