Pema

in looking over my last post, i realize i'm sounding a bit too doom and gloom.  while life has certainly been difficult these past months... that's life.  no one is immune from the bad.  and always, along with the bad, comes a bounty of good.

when we first learned Lou had cancer, and would face such daunting treatment, i had a major panic attack.  i could barely breathe.  having seen both my father and my mother through cancer, treatments ranging from chemo to radiation to surgery, hospice and, ultimately, death, i was terrified.  i truly feared i would not be able to hold up for the man i love the most in this world.

that's when my BFF of all BFF's, my BFF to thank God for, sent me an amazing little book, The Pocket Pema Chodron, a collection of over 100 short selections from the writings of the acclaimed Buddhist nun.   everyday, after meditating, i would read one excerpt.  this daily ritual, along with a mind clearing walk, allowed me to make it through each day, with its enormous ups and downs, and still look forward to the next.

from the book ~

"Fundamental richness is available in each moment.  The key is to relax: relax to a cloud in the sky, relax to a tiny bird with grey wings, relax to the sound of the telephone ringing.  We can see the simplicity in things as they are ... [this richness] is available always to everyone.  In raindrops, in blood drops, in heartache and delight, this wealth is the nature of everything.  It is like the sun that shines on everyone without discrimination."

this book helped open me to the moment, however good or bad, whatever it might bring.  so many wonderful lessons in this tiny book.  i recommend it to all.