Thich Nhat Hanh

 #1 - Reframing a sidewalk shoveling task to an excuse to get a little sun, outside time and movement.

#2 - Michael had a new look today, apparently he had a new pair of jeans and they looked good.

#3 - Michael's ex is incredibly responsive/quick to respond to questions in general - today in particular about possible camping dates this summer.

#4 - My "pain body" is active right now, I am aware of it, and able to articulate it, which means it has not taken me over. I am aware that I am bigger than my pain body and that the trigger (in this case chores/shoveling), is an area of growth and an opportunity of communication.  I am also aware it is ok just to be angry right now.

#5 - And how quickly that anger dissipates when I read this - an email from a member of my library poetry group

"In another development, Thich nhat hanh, a Vietnamese  Buddhist monk, the founder of Plum Village and the father of Mindful meditation left his body last week and I wanted to share with you an excerpt from his inspiring and spiritually elevating words. Please keep going and stay healthy and happy. Thank you so much. Guthema

I Am Not in Here

By Thich Nhat Hanh

"I have a disciple in Vietnam who wants to build a stupa for my ashes when I die. He and others want to put a plaque with the words, “Here lies my beloved teacher.” I told them not to waste the temple land.

“Do not put me in a small pot and put me in there” I said. “I don’t want to continue like that. It would be better to scatter the ashes outside to help the trees to grow.”

I suggested that, if they still insist on building a stupa, they have the plaque say, “I am not in here.” But in case people don’t get it, they could add a second plaque, “I am not out there either.” If still people don’t understand, then you can write on the third and last plaque, “I may be found in your way of breathing and walking.”

Excerpted from Thich Nhat Hanh “At Home in the World: Stories & Essential Teachings from a Monk’s Life” (2015)