by Kate | Jul 15, 2022 | Surrender
One of the basic tenants of Buddhism is impermanence: nothing lasts. Everything arises abides, and dissolves. “Impermanence is not only to be overcome and endured,” writes Buddhist teacher Norman Fischer,. “It is also to be lived and appreciated.” It’s a simple notion...
by Kate | Jun 15, 2021 | Chronic healing, chronic illness, Strength, Surrender
We human beings like to pretend we are in control. We imagine we live in a fair and predictable universe. Part of what makes illness difficult is that we realize the opposite is true. No matter how carefully we assemble the building blocks of health, disease happens,...
by Kate | Sep 11, 2020 | Advocacy, kind promises, Surrender
This month I am considering two kind promises: “I will surrender patiently” and “I will advocate courageously.” They work together to help me discern a middle way. Once again, I return to the serenity prayer: “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot...
by Kate | May 5, 2020 | kind promises, Surrender, Weakness
The kind promise that I am considering this month is “I will be tender with weaknesses.” What weakness shall we consider in this time of pandemic? I see a weakness creeping up on all people right now. There is the tendency to want to go back to normal, even though the...
by Kate | Dec 5, 2017 | Chronic healing, chronic illness, kind promises, Surrender
Living with an illness, there may be times when the ice cracks and you fall through. Plans need to be released. What worked before no longer works. For a while, you may flounder. Be there, in the depths. Know that you will probably resurface. If you don’t, you get to...
by Kate | Feb 21, 2017 | Chronic healing, Surrender
I painted this morning. My aide, Jenny, set out the paints and the paper and sprayed water on the paint tray to awaken the watercolors. My wooden-handled brushes sat beside the paints. I have had them for 30 years; they are old friends. I lifted a rectangular brush...
