“Nobility, in the Buddhist sense, means releasing ourselves from the social constructs that blind us to the truth, positioning ourselves to receive the truth, accept the truth, and learn to live equanimously with the truth.” *
Releasing each thread that binds
leaving less mass, less…
until there is just me and what I see
what my hands feel
the sounds and smells around me.
Less anchored but more connected
Is it enough? Or maybe, is it all there is?
Things in my life are beginning to shift. Four years 5 months after losing Joseph, something is opening up and, somethings are dropping away. I’ve yet to refill my bookcases after moving my office into what was Joseph’s…I step around the many boxes of books in the dining room, not sure what to carry forward. I like the empty shelves. It’s as if they’re waiting for something, as if they are enjoying the space.
Well, if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that I can’t force or rush what wants to happen. And for the first time, I’m at peace with it.
………………..
* “Buddhism as a Path of Trauma Resilience for Anti-Racism Activists,” editors’ introduction to Black & Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us about Race, Resilience, Transformation and Freedom, ed. Pamela Ayo Yetunde and Cheryl A. Giles (Shambhala: 2020), 2, 3. from Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation, 11/9/21
Peace is good!
Good for you. Take your time and don’t trip over the boxes while you “sort out” this new chapter in your life.
Barbara, as I read your words and took in the image of your empty bookshelves, I responded with an inner “yes”. Thank you.
I have the clear sense that whatever wisdom is in the boxes, and used to sit on the shelves, is deeply within you. So small wonder you like the empty shelves and are at peace with what wants to happen. You’re all enjoying the space.
What a delicate and beefy expression of who you are and how you peacefully relate. ‘Less anchored and more connected’ is my favorite part of your Nobility piece. it’s hard to believe Joseph has been gone over 4 years. Two weeks ago he told me in my journalling time that I could live more peacefully if I would stop thinking so much and Relax and do what makes sense. He signed off as Joseph. I kept it.
May I learn to experience the rising and passing away of all things with equanimity and balance. May I be in balance. May I be at peace. Love and power to you, Barbara.