Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Unbridled Joy

So, I realized this weekend that I am well-and-truly meant to be a Buddhist. I have not taken the refuges - there is no sangha close to me - but I have come to realize that I am Buddhist at heart, and always have been. You see, this weekend was a trial for me. My middle son (who's 5) came down with appendicitis. All the sudden I found myself awake all night, waiting for my son to come out of emergency surgery. All is well, now, my son is recovering. However, when they took him back, and I was sent to an empty waiting room (it was early morning), it was up to me to accept my experience. So I did as Thich Nhat Hanh suggests - I smiled at my feelings and situation. I sat with my experience and, well, "experienced" it. Once I had done this, I found the peace of simple acceptance. Life was beautiful and quiet, and all I had to do was wait - to let experience happen. So I did, and found joy in the midst of it all.

2 comments:

Ray K said...

It is indeed hard to turn towards our pain and fears.

Thank you. This is a lovely, evocative post. I'm fond of Thich Nhat Hanh's book "Teachings on Love" - I hope you find a sangha for support and to share love.

Namo Buddhaya

EdaMommy said...

Thank you, Ray, both for your kind words and thoughts, as well as your book suggestion. Be Well.

Dwan