Effort has opened up a world to me which has led me to understand that it is grace. When my father passed away amidst what seemed like a set of unfortunate circumstances, I felt the family so touched by grace that his passing became a celebration. When something goes off key and feel dissonance inside, I become aware of the reaction. When a moment of gratitude arises, I become aware of the relationship(s).
Not knowing what can make a difference seems useful only when combined with skillful presence.
When my Dad was in intensive care for a week. We were allowed to see him only twice a day for 5 mins each. My brother, in a stroke of genius, rented the hospital room right next to the intensive care room. So everytime we heard that door open for food service, cleaning service or doctors visit, me and my Mom would rush and wave our hands and my Dad started looking out for us and waving back. Initially we must have looked like clowns to the staff but we started waving at all the people in that room and even some staff would smile back or wave back. When Dad was shifted to palliative care, he mentioned this and smiled big. I had no idea it made a difference to him but it filled our hearts to connect so joyfully in a helpless and what seemed like a lonely situation.
Athabks for sharing this vibrant piece. What if we convince future to stay back is a powerful thought and for that, love seems necessary but not sufficient.
Wonder what all the author means by "violent shape of their drinking water".
Swami's Vivekanandas words are like arrows shot straight.
Thank you for sharing this reading.
What intrigues me experientially, is this line.
We who cannot for a moment govern our own minds, nay, cannot hold our minds on a subject, focus it on a point to the exclusion of everything else for a moment!
On Jan 11, 2024 Nisha wrote on Effort Does Not Change The Person, by Anthony De Mello: