I was fortunate to be able to spend some time meditating in a small group this morning. Surrounded by loved ones and safe friends, I felt it grounded me and brought my mind to stillness – freeing me of the “monkey mind” that seemed to accompany yesterday’s pain. I became connected more gently to my body, free of the electronic jangling of nerves that accompanied yesterday’s pain. Afterwards, although my body treated me to a session of crippling pelvic pain (related to my phantom ovarian cysts), I felt able to stay with it and breathe slowly through the pain – although some good pain killers were invaluable! I felt myself moving slowly, recapturing the peace that my walking meditations give me. It was good to share the story of my walking meditation with the circle. The day was brought to a peaceful close through a session of reiki healing just completed by my wife.

I feel so grateful to be living in a place surrounded by so many wonderful healers and teachers. It is only my wish that I continue to grow in wisdom and can share some of my own teachings in time.

Another source of great gratitude is the network of friends that the wonderful world of the Internet brings to me. We can share our stories and experiences, and be so enriched by them. Yesterday, a friend shared his experiences of “embracing” pain in the body, and a valuable reminder that pain in itself can create trauma, and that sometimes we must be tender with ourselves. I feel that after today’s activities I have been able to feel softness and kindness to myself again, and that I have been brought back to a safe landing. My thoughts became clearer, once the constant jangling of the pain dissipated.

I echo these words from meditation, in closing this entry:

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness
May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering
May all beings never be separated from the supreme joy that is beyond all sorrow
May all beings abide in equanimity free from attachment and aversion

Blessings,
Jane