Surprise! I had emergency gallbladder surgery. Surprise! Because I had the surgery I am unable to attend the POC Retreat in New Mexico. Surprise! I am not fearful about health outcomes or despondent about my inability to attend the retreat. Surprise!
I have formally embraced mindfulness and recent events have shown how important the practice is in my spiritual development. Instead of wallowing in fear and having erruptions of dissapointment, I have been able to enjoy the tremendous gift of good surgeons, loving friends and family. At the same time, I've felt none of the sadness I might expect with inability to attend the Retreat.
In fact, I feel grateful to know I can weather the surprises of life with a smile on my face (which is my best "look").
I found this poem by Rumi, that I want to share.
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and attend them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture, still,
treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Mevlana Rumi (1207 - 1273)
I was blessed to open my door and welcome both the pain of surgery and my inability to attend the POC Retreat with a smile "because each has been sent as a guide from beyond."
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