“Today, like every other day, we wake up frightened. Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love, be what we do. There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” ~ Rumi (translated by Coleman Barks).
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be posting short guided meditations to help us live this crisis together. For a taste of what’s to come click on the sound file below:
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Regarding my illness experience (as reported here): I’m slowly regaining strength and mobility, just in time to meet the coronavirus. With the aid of a walking stick I can walk for 4-6 blocks. This morning I rode the bike for the first time in ages: mainly downhill, pushing it on the way home. The prognosis is for gradual recovery over the coming weeks and months. Baby steps.
Five weeks ago I received news of blood cancer over the phone: it wasn’t exactly wrong but could have been delivered more gently. Several tests and a hematology consultation later, the current diagnosis is Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. My brother, who’s been a country doctor in Germany for 48 years, sees a lot of what he calls “old age leukemia” among his patients. Survival rate: about a third of people with CLL live for 10 to 20 years post-diagnosis. Live on!
Peter, though we have never met, you have helped me so much from afar. I am sorry to hear of your most recent challenge. Know that you are held up with loving kindness, by and from, more than you will ever know. May you be well, Terry
My friend, such lovely news to picture you on your bicycle!
Peter, I echo the sentiments expressed by Terrance. I uphold you in the ways of my spiritual tradition. Bless you on your journey to recovery.
Peter, great to hear your calming voice again. Thank you for doing this.
You are bringing my wandering fearful thoughts into a place where I can see and respond to the needs of others. Today I delivered to the doorstep of a friend with sore throat – soup. And while I was gone a friend delivered a 6 pack of beer to our doorstep for my husband. We are all in this together . I look forward to morning medications with you.
Peter, grateful for your insight, care and being in this world. Thank you for your thoughtful posts and the love that you share. It shines back at you from all who have been touched by your words and actions and presence. ‘Let the beauty we love, be what we do.’ Take good care, Lorelle
Peter! Happy to hear you’re riding your bike and taking in the sunshine. It’s very healing. In friendship, Kim
Peter, So great to hear that your health is returning slowly and that you can now walk so far and even ride your bike again! You seem like the guy who will live at least 20 more years. Yes, onward. Lovely to hear your voice and thank you for this truly helpful way to send out hope and teachings for these tricky times we are all in together.
Holy shit Peter, you are such a courageous warrior,.
I have been listening with full heart to your journey and the offerings of your teacher, both touch me deeply.
You give me strength and courage to face challenges and to meet over and over again this being experiencing with as much love and compassion that I can muster. Delighted to imagine you on your bike flying freely, over hill and vale.
with love
Your brothers medical experience & insight is sure a welcomed update. That’s great you’ve been able to give the bike a go too.
Thank you Peter for sharing, your strength, your struggle, and your healing. Thinking of you as you gain mobility and progress each day. May you be well.
So lovely to hear your voice … the voice of my practice for so many years. I look forward to this sitting again with you. Thank you for your update dear Peter. Be Well xoxo
Thank you for your loving and mindful posts, Peter. I look forward to sitting again with you in the comfort of our own homes. May we all be well.
With love and appreciation,
Joan
Thank you for this Peter.
So good to hear you are back on your bicycle. I am sure Waldi is pleased as well!
We agree with your brother. Carry on!
We will definitely be following your meditation posts.
In recent days I read a quote from Fred McFeely (aka Mr. Rogers) that said “Whenever something scary in the news would frighten me, my mother would say: No matter what happens, look for the helpers. There are always helpers.”
Peter, you are a helper. Namasté.
Oh my goodness, how perfectly lovely to hear your soothing voice once again. Oma Brenda
Peter,
So good that there is some positivity in your health news. It was concerning, especially the way it was delivered to you. Great to have your brother’s sage experience and advise to receive on this as well. LIVE ON indeed.
Your mobility progress is encouraging, going from strength to strength, which you deserve after a few bumps in recovery.
So glad to have your blog updates, especially in these challenging times, as we face this global health issue. Been having a little trouble with “Welcome everything” on this one, as my family self isolate.
It is timely and happily received that you will be posting some guided meditation. With fear, uncertainty, worry & anxieties being caused by this situation, it will be good to have an antidote to look forward to.
Take comfort that we are grateful for the meditations and compassion you bestow. A calm voice in troubling seas.
Continue the good work on yourself, and be well.
Listening to your loving voice and hearing that you are stronger, comforted by your brother and riding a bicycle fills my heart.