I received news day before yesterday that Daddy is dying of lung cancer. While news like this is difficult for me, it’s important to remember that the world does not revolve around me. In fact, I just read a statistic that, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance, an estimated 437 people die of lung cancer everyday.
Everyday.
From lung cancer alone.
I am not the only one in pain here about a dying daddy.
I am not alone in my grief. Many friends have made it abundantly clear that I am not alone. In fact, some of them have just lost parents themselves, or have ill parents. They understand.
I am not alone.
Neither are you.
Pema Chodron, a Tibetan Buddhist, teaches a practice called Tonglen. It is a practice I have used for a few years and one that will serve me well during this time. Bascially, I breathe in the pain or grief that I am experiencing in order to feel it fully with acceptance. Then, I breathe out compassion and love, for myself, daddy, my family, etc. I continue to do this all the while expanding the circle to include others who are grieving and suffering. I start with my little circle but gradually expand that circle to include all who may be feeling the pain that I am feeling.
This is a wonderful practice to help cultivate presence, acceptance, compassion, gratitude, and connection.
Thank you, dear friends, for your loving kindness and support. Namaste.
