“May all individuals gain freedom
from suffering.”
“May all individuals find sustained
health, happiness, and wholeness.”
“May I assist all individuals in
gaining freedom from suffering.”
“May I assist all individuals in
finding health, happiness and wholeness.”
In practicing the Loving-Kindness meditation I could only think of how to open my heart and bring a loving kindness into my life. If we are able to find health, happiness and wholeness in our lives we should be able to aid others in bringing health, happiness, and wholeness into their lives.
In evaluating my life at this time it is difficult to determine how to move forward in achieving integral health and healing. Looking at the four aspects of my life-psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal, and worldly are all affected with the life issues I am faced with at this time.
1.
In the past month my daughter was fitted for her first
wheel-chair (this is life changing). Along with her increasing health issues
and seizures the days are long and tiring so there is no time to focus on much
else than her and her sister’s needs.
2.
My son who suffers from mental illness and addiction
issues has refused all help and is now wandering the streets (this is heartbreaking
for a mother). He has chosen drugs and alcohol over his family and most of the
time we do not know where he is at and there is a relief when the jail calls to
let me know he is there. This is our only way to know he is still alive…this
issue has made me loose much of my focus.
3.
My oldest son is on his second deployment…you always
worry about our men and women who are protecting our freedom but when it is
your child it does weigh a little heavier.
4.
Lastly I have a mass in my neck that is very painful
and is growing.
With all of these issues I still am trying to focus on the positive by looking forward and trying to flourish spiritually. The positive things in my life are keeping the days bearable include:
1.
Having a son who is graduating from the University of
Oregon with honors. He is focusing on his future as a special education teacher
inspired by his sister’s.
2.
My daughter-in-law and grand-daughter are living with
us during my son deployment. I am enjoying having them with us.
3.
My non-verbal daughter is learning to communicate with
her new communication system.
4.
That same daughter who has been feed primarily via g-tube
has begun eating…while she does not eat anything substantial she is eating
(this is huge).
5.
My belief in God has grown stronger giving me the
strength and the power to cherish the good things.
While the health issues are important and must be dealt with, focusing on the positive while dealing with the negative makes it easier to move forward.
As a family we are doing this together by changing our diet, beginning to exercise, and becoming stronger spiritually. I am learning that when the mental chatter becomes overwhelming meditation can relive many of the stresses for the moment and move me closer the health, happiness and wholeness.
"You must first learn how to dance in the rain"…
Daphne
Hi Daphne,
ReplyDeleteWow, when I look at all you go through on a daily basis, I think my life is no where near as hard. You are a truly amazing person to be able to look at all the positive things in life still when you have all those hardships going on. I don't know if I would have the strength to go on. I look at my life in a totally new perspective now. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I have to agree with Karen, what an amazing woman you are. While I am sorry about all you go through each day, I know that you are who you are today because of it all. My husband recently came back from deployment so I understand all about that type of worry! I will keep your son in my prayers. Focusing on the positive is amazing. No matter how bad a day was, there is always something good. I'm glad that your daughters are now able to take some new and exciting steps. I'm sure it is still difficult but with all the technology available, I know it will only get better! Best of luck,
ReplyDeleteNichole
Daphne, my spirit is standing in your honor. I am in awe of the strength of character and soul you must possess. Because you've also reminded me of a Facebook picture my cousin shared with me recently that made me smile that I'd like to share with you now... I'd also like to mention what my Pastor said in the sermon on Sunday morning. He told us, "Humor is not the opposite of respect or sincerity. Humor *is* the opposite of despair." (Oh, and please excuse the coarse-ish language - I'll censor it a little.)
ReplyDelete"Scripture says that the Lord will not give me more to deal with than I can handle. Apparently, the Lord thinks I'm a bad@$$."
Similar to what's happening in my life right now, I believe that God led you to this class to help you learn more ways to handle 'life stuff' with Him. He's doing the same thing for me. I know that doesn't make it any easier, necessarily... but it does help me to know that there's at least one reason for it all.
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. It's been such a pleasure learning with you this term... and thank you for sharing so much of your life with us here. That takes courage.