The Search For Enlightenment

Sometimes the lessons we learn in life are put into practice sooner than we would like.

The tragic and unexpected death of a colleague’s sister-in-law today tested my wisdom and compassion, all too soon after our own loss.

My colleague was understandably distraught at the shock news. The circumstances were exacerbated by the weather, the festive season and the fact that she had to find the courage to take control of the situation for the sake of the family.

If this had happened a few months ago I wouldn’t have been as prepared, mentally or spiritually and I have my Practice to thank for that.

I am well aware that dealing with the death of a close family member is very different to helping a friend cope with their own loss. But I am confident that my certainty of the eternity of life has taken away the fear of death and allows me to look at such situations with a more logical, rather than emotional, state of mind.

Of course I will chant and pray for my colleague and her family and their collective courage.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Today I reserve the right to use all my Wisdom, all my Courage and all my Compassion to say absolutely nothing at all.

The bloggers equivalent of dead air.

Normal service will resume as soon as possible.

P.S. Thank heaven for scheduled posts (ancient Buddhist quote).

After a month of staying at home and holding the fort, my Better Half is, this very minute, in the air on her way home to join me.

Whilst it has been a difficult time for me, not knowing quite what was happening so very far away, it has been nothing compared to the painful process she has been through.

Seeing your own mother fade quickly away has been a terrible set of events to go through, though she has been very strong and resolute. I’m sure she would like me to pass on her thanks to everyone who has sent their kind wishes and, eventually, their condolences.

I am looking forward to seeing her tomorrow, though the pleasure is slightly tempered by the thought that she will be in a difficult emotional place.

I will be making the trip up to Heathrow in anticipation, having made sure that everything at home is as perfect as humanly possible. I am looking forward to finally being in a position to give her my support and comfort, time will tell how things go.

I have been, and will continue, to chant for the Wisdom, Courage and Compassion to make the process as easy for us both as it can possibly be.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

If you are anything like me, you sometimes go into your shell and just mull things over in your head.

That can be a very powerful way to get things straight in your mind, but it can also allow you to come to the wrong conclusion. It has to be tempered with conversation.

I’m very lucky, I have a wonderful family and a loving partner who keep an eye on me. Usually that is more than enough, but not always. I can talk to my Mom about anything and my Better Half is a great listener, but there are things they can’t understand and there are situations I would rather not worry them with.

That’s where mates come in.

Now blokes don’t open up to other blokes about personal issue too often. I can be seen as soft, and a bit girlie (sorry girls), so you have to choose very carefully.

Again I am in a fortunate position. There’s a chap at work who shares his problems with me, and I listen, then when the boot is on the other foot, the roles are reversed.

Talking things through with someone who listens, is very therapeutic. If you get the chance to open your heart and mind to someone, you should try it. It really takes the weight off your shoulders and also puts things into perspective.