The world we find ourselves in, the person we think we are—these are our working bases. This charnel ground* called life is the manifestation of wisdom. This wisdom is the basis of freedom and also the basis of confusion. In every moment of time, we make a choice. Which way do we go? How do we relate to the raw material of our existence? [*In Tibet the ground was frozen, so the bodies were chopped up after people died and taken to the charnel grounds, where the vultures would eat them.] ~ Pema Chodron
Would a snake refuse to shed its skin? That would be ridiculous; it would be unable to accommodate any new growth. When a loss is experienced, it's not the grief that prevents us from moving on but refusing to let go. Sanchez writes that Koskaduautli, the Vulture, is the beginning of a new cycle: "Death is the growing that happens through letting go. Vulture is the growth that incorporates the remains of what was."
The next time there’s no ground to stand on, don’t consider it an obstacle. Consider it a remarkable stroke of luck. We have no ground to stand on, and at the same time it could soften us and inspire us. Finally, after all these years, we could truly grow up. ~ Pema Chodron
I always thought of Tibet as tropical. I had to look up average temp! Our pesky bodies, always demanding service.
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the 'skin' I'm letting go of these days - losing parts and parts that won't work like I'd like them to. :) I know you have plenty of experience in this department.
DeleteI cannot let go of the image of me in my early forties. It sometimes really shocks me to see the real current version. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteIt's not so much my image as my physical abilities. I want to keep doing what I used to do with ease. :) Learning to age with wisdom and grace is a practice unto itself!
Delete"When a loss is experienced, it's not the grief that prevents us from moving on but refusing to let go."
ReplyDeleteYesterday was a very emotional day when I had to say goodbye to some dear friends who have moved from Nova Scotia.
Bev your post is just what I needed to read this morning, after learning that my sweet young cousins have lost their young mother to breast cancer, after a long struggle.
I know there are far worse things than death, but always it's still very hard to let go, but there in lies the life lesson. The memories of what is lost will hopefully always be a blessing. Thank you Bev for your important and timely message. <3
So sorry to hear about the loss of your cousins. May they be wrapped in comfort.
DeleteThank you Bev for your kind and comforting words <3
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