death and dying

Solidarity with Those in States of Suffering

A few thoughts ✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

The human world aspires to feel no pain on its illusory quest for security and gratification; starkly contrasting the experience of anyone living in states of pain and suffering. In the midst of day-to-day objectives, the plight of sentient beings trapped in states of suffering often completely escapes our consideration. Suffering is an ageless aspect of life; perception, though it is, it is convincing, and nonetheless brutal to observe and more-so to endure. Sickness, torment, and intense pain may arise and persist, leading to isolation. Beings who are suffering are often unseen, not understood, tip-toe’d around, swept aside, or given up on. In their isolation, we are unlikely to encounter them unless we, ourselves, are in fields that provide care, are working in professions of animal rescue or slaughter, a loved one has fallen deeply ill, and such relationships to the condition of beings.

No matter where you are, and whatever your personal affiliations may be, there are ways to offer the tribute of your solidarity with fellow beings that we share existence with, many of whom suffer the very moments of their life greatly. Compassionate awareness is an illuminating quality that generates the context of past, present, and future; for ourself, and for all that we can and cannot conceive of. Comtemplate aspirations throughout the day for the well-being of an individual, combined to include all beings in states of fear, loneliness, pain, hopelessness, depression, confusion, desperation, and despair at this very moment. 

In a more material approach, we can find the opportunity to visit our sick friend or acquaintance with some groceries, visit and offer comfort and enrichment to animals at a shelter, cook a meal for someone who you know is lonely or new to the area, simply give someone a smile, kind word and supportive gesture, for example.

May All Be Happy and Free From Harm

May Our Wisdom and Compassion

Bring Comfort to Existence

Posted by Wendy in analytical
Poetry of Protracted Illness

Poetry of Protracted Illness

Visit from a Friend  Po Chu’i [772-846 CE]

I have been ill so long that I do not count the days; at the Southern window, evening – and again evening. Sadly chirping in the grasses under my eaves, the winter sparrows morning and evening sing. By an effort I rise and lean heavily on my bed; tottering I step toward the door of the courtyard. By chance I meet a friend who is coming to see me; just as if I had gone specially to meet him. They took my couch and placed it in the setting sun; they spread my rug and I leaned on the balcony-pillar. Tranquil talk was better than any medicine; gradually the feelings came back to my numbed heart.

Translation · Arthur Waley · 170 Chinese Poems

www.ElementalChanges.com Protracted Illness

 

 

Posted by Wendy in analytical