And That’s Not ALL

 

There is no life without suffering.

"According to David Whyte, (whom I am currently reading, as if that is not obvious) this could also be translated as: there is an absolute universality to suffering; there is no way for any human being, no matter how successful, no matter how wealthy, no matter how blithe of heart, to arrange circumstances such that they will be exempt from the emotional and physical hurts common to all people who have ever lived. This is a given: a foundational reality."

 And that’s not all…

The tricky part of any suffering is that we often think that it shouldn’t happen to me. And then of course we have “piggy-back” suffering. Suffering on top of suffering. Unless, we come to the understanding that we too are not exempt, and can let go of the why’s. Why me? Why my loved one? Why now?

I have no idea whether there is deep meaning in suffering. I do know there is deep meaning in living, and suffering is included. And that’s not all. What is also included is laughter, love, accomplishment, joy, friendship, family in a variety of combinations, coincidences, learning new things, stories, memories, seeing the sunset, hearing not just the first bird song of the day but all of them,  spotting the first crocus or bud or blade of grass…resting, walking, eating, saying hello and good-bye, contributing, comforting…The meaning is in noticing it all, nothing excluded; giving and receiving; doing our bit (sometimes better than others but let’s not compare) Life is a precious gift, each and every moment.  And suffering, disappointment, and loss is included.

And  still let us have more of these living days.

"Everything is waiting for us," as DW might say.

 “I wish I knew the beauty

Of leaves falling

To whom are we beautiful

As we go? 

  By poet David Ignatow

Comments

[Patricia Ludwick]

"and that's not all" - just when we think we have achieved equilibrium, are back on the straight-ahead path, know where we are going as well as where we are — life swings into a sudden turn. I don't know why this should continue to surprise me, after sixty-three years of experiencing those kind of shocks and surprises, but it does. Always another challenge: another deep breath and take it all in. The best thing about these encounters with suffering (my own and others') is that I am reminded of the interconnectedness of all things, and that helps me to slow way down, to simply be present with what is happening. Your reminder to listen to the birdsong all day, not just to the dawn chorus, is part of that practice: life is this moment, and the next, and the task is to accept whatever it holds. Today, all is green and golden glory outside my window, while in other parts of the world, torture, starvation, rape, greed, injustice, despair, grief, panic and pain go on, go on, go on and on. How can we not be overwhelmed with the fact of suffering? to accept that both the joy of spring and the dark and cold of winter are part of the same world, the delight of reunion with people and places we love exists at the same time as the grief of the loss of places and people we love.
The astonishing thing is that the heart can expand and expand, that the ocean of compassion holds all of it, all of us, all that was and will be. My work this May morning is to keep my heart open - to you, to all who are experiencing the same suffering. Thank you for keeping the channels open.

patsy

[Patricia Madson]

Your thoughts today are profound. Funny, I am also reading David Whyte this week. He's appearing next week and I have tickets. I appreciate how you keep reminding us of both sides of life's equation. Wise words, Trudy.
Patricia

[Ana]

I discovered you through today's 37 Days post. You are wonderful!!

[Teri and the cats of Furrydance]

I came to your blog via 37 Days...I knew I would find something awesome, awe inspiring, just awww, too.

Your words I should think daily, to keep me going...from "there is no life without suffering" to
"start from today"

I think those words will help me from getting bogged down like I feel oftentimes...

[mahima]

found your blog via patti's
this is a moving, thoughtful way to begin my day..gives the much needed perspective! :)