“This is a dark time, filled with suffering and uncertainty.

Like living cells in a larger body, it is natural that we feel the trauma of our world. So don’t be afraid of the anguish you feel, or the anger or fear, because these responses arise from the depth of yourcaring and the truth of your interconnectedness with all beings….”

~ Joanna Macy

It was the anniversary of the death of my father last week and this always comes out a little weird in my life and mind, not least because it is around fathers day.

I can se myself as I approach it, there is a sadness that seaps into my bones and I can feel myself drawn to see the darker side.

Mark Nepo has a lovely ponder on loss below, that I reminded me to surround myself with others and take a moment to feel the love.

My teacher appeared to me

in the midst of my grief for him.

I was on a bench in a park in the

city. Buses were coughing by and

small shops were opening. And

since my teacher no longer has

hands, he swept a bird in my face

to break up my sadness. And since

he no longer has a mouth, the light

off the windows twenty stories up

drifted through the leaves. I said,

“I miss you.” And I thought I heard

him say, “Do everything while you’re

here.” Then it began to mist, though

the sun was shining. As if the Uni-

verse were crying at what it does to

us in order to keep going. Just then,

a child lost a ball. It bounced my

way. Now my teacher was in the

bounce and I thought I heard

him say, “Enough of this.

Pick up the ball and live.”

A Question to Walk With: Bring three friends together and in conversation, have each of you describe the impact of someone who is now gone and what each gave you.

It is what we choose to do with this energy that matters, do you turn it inward and destory yourself or lift your head and build something beautiful that can inspire yourself and others.

I hope this helps anyone who needs it. xx