The bitter-sweet reality of impermanence
Recently my life seems to be mostly aircraft, airports, hotels and taxis. I love sleeping in my own bed. If Rhea is there also, then it is perfect. I sat there in the hotel restaurant eating breakfast. It is with no great pride that I admit that I felt a little sorry for myself, wishing I could breakfast at home. As I sat there a couple walked past, close by the table where I sat, well into their 80’s – frail but capable. The thought sprung to mind that twenty-five years or so on and that will be us: Rhea and me. It also brought to mind what Buddhists call…
Grief and Impermanence
People attend our retreats in Cantabria for many reasons. One of the more common reasons is to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. In our society our experience of death is quite limited, so when it comes, it comes as a shocking, painful surprise. Unfortunately, we don’t generally talk about death. We receive no training and we do our best not to think about it which means it always catches us unprepared. The Buddha said that life contains inevitable suffering: birth, sickness, old age and death. None of us can avoid these events; they are as inevitable as the sunrise, as breathing. In this we are…
Death and Dying
There are only two things I know for certain in this life: that I will die and that I do not know when. Whenever I raise this point to groups I am normally met with groans, a roll of the eyes, or “that’s a bit strong”, “that’s a bit depressing”. And yet to live with this reality close to hand is deeply empowering; it allows me to live my life more intensely. It helps me understand what is important and what is not. I can let go of my need to always be right or to be a dick, and instead, be present and connect. Colours are brighter. Everything is…