tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post5103799371647075907..comments2023-10-08T08:48:18.513-04:00Comments on The Dalai Grandma: A Falling-down LifeJeanne Desyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07800258273705288582noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post-91916777619226649072013-05-25T00:05:51.520-04:002013-05-25T00:05:51.520-04:00It did feel good, John, whenever I got it, like ea...It did feel good, John, whenever I got it, like eating a piece of good cake. But you know, not substantial. <br /><br />I've never had any sympathy to match the kindness of the Zen masters I've worked with, and even two I've just written to who never met me, but responded as if I were...well, their own very favorite daughter. I am working right now with Dosho Port, in his new internet training program, a pilot course with just 25 of us right now. It has been exactly like a lifeline. Our first talk on Skype I found myself telling him I was so afraid to die, maybe because he wrote about Katagiri's death, and others, and how even these realized people don't want to die and find the pain hard to bear. This, and the study of Dogen, the e-mails, it's been what I so needed at this point in my life, which from the sound of things, is much like yours. And you do have my empathy. I hope it is not a painted rice cake.<br /><br />All of this was exactly what led Shakyamuni to leave his home in search of some peace. Sometimes life is so difficult. <br />Thank you for writing. Being read, a response, feels good.<br />With a bow,<br />JeanneJeanne Desyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800258273705288582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post-1886025044971727322013-05-24T22:59:46.603-04:002013-05-24T22:59:46.603-04:00What good is the sympathy (or empathy) of others? ...What good is the sympathy (or empathy) of others? It can't erase the past. It can't keep you from growing old. It can't take away your physical pain. It can’t heal your body from it's injuries. It can't help you come to terms with growing old. It can't give you wisdom. It can't unbind you from your attachments. <br /><br />So, what good is it? Just asking.<br /><br /> <br />John Josephsonhttp://knowledgewithoutcertainty.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post-51874758553053765472013-05-15T15:25:28.057-04:002013-05-15T15:25:28.057-04:00Oh I certainly have that self in my background, an...Oh I certainly have that self in my background, and had to total my car (and self-image) about 10 years ago before it gave up. All at once it was, "I just can't." Actually, the accident put me into a driving phobia for a while.<br /><br />Aging creeps up on you, inches toward you every day. Then, surprise!<br /><br />To be honest, I have had to learn everything the hard way. I marvel that I didn't kill myself with this one. Tom is the same way, had to have 7 stitches after a fall before Christmas because he just liked to take a few steps (often) without his Lofstrand. He hit a sharp corner of furniture on the way just above an eye. It scared me to death and I've given him a lot of grief about it ever since.<br /><br />I think that's kind of the secret to a certain amount of success in Zen retreats - you just keep sitting until it kills you. Or maybe that's sort of different....Anyway, with every event I do learn something. I wish the process went faster. Thank you for your empathy. I cherish your readerness.Jeanne Desyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800258273705288582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post-56635188770809890672013-05-15T12:56:04.308-04:002013-05-15T12:56:04.308-04:00I am sorry you fell, my mom fell off a stool she s...I am sorry you fell, my mom fell off a stool she stood on to photograph(much pain since, with cracked discs) which makes me wonder when does one feel that they are not as capable as when we are younger. Do we have to fall to realize this truth and even then does it sink in? I am just a stubborn as anyone, even with my brain injury…so I see me in you. In fact, I can see me(you) standing back on a stool to prove you are "all better."Was Oncehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15787588883235992471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post-63687779470798611422013-05-15T09:54:27.248-04:002013-05-15T09:54:27.248-04:00Thank you, Melanie. Old age, all these new diffic...Thank you, Melanie. Old age, all these new difficulties. It's good to know you stick with me. And I relate to your accurate expression - sums it up. Ouch, crap!<br />With a bow,<br />JeanneJeanne Desyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800258273705288582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123326368423499292.post-11393142307809643722013-05-15T09:46:44.676-04:002013-05-15T09:46:44.676-04:00Oh my goodness! I feel for you, honey. Ouch and ...Oh my goodness! I feel for you, honey. Ouch and crap! I hope you get back to feeling like you're having a life with more enjoyment and less pain very soon.Melanie from Austinnoreply@blogger.com