We all know the day is coming, whether that day is the beginning of empty nest or the day our adult children are home for a visit and then leave.
Is there prevention for sorrow? I believe from all the experiences I have with change and tears that the answer is to practice being with what is.
Sorrow is a part of life. Change will happen. Spring will bloom. Winter will chill. As the plum blossoms in my neighborhood are fully bursting on top of trees next to the clusters of white jasmine plants, I realize how well they handle change. They bloom, cause me to stop to take in their sudden fragrant beauty, turn brown, and drop until their next season. Now, that is an image of change and letting go that works for me.
Never give up
No matter what is going on
Never give up
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country
Is spent developing the mind
Instead of the heart
Be compassionate
Not just to your friends
but to everyone
Be compassionate
Work for peace
in your heart and in the world
Work for peace
and I say again
Never give up
No matter what is happening
No matter what is going on around you
Never give up
H.H. the XIV Dalai
Dealing with changes and transitions:
Hiding in bed won’t change the fact that you can’t talk with your children at breakfast or dinner today.
Try journaling your feelings and thoughts. A journal is safe and available daily:
- Starter … today I wish I could … but I can’t, so I will …
- Get outside.
- Make a plan during the week to do something with a friend even if you are always the one initiating the plans. If you are new in town and don’t really have a good friend, go to a bookstore or art store or even the market and say hello to people you meet. Be available for an hour with the intention of meeting someone that might want to get coffee.
