In search of a handful of mustard seeds ...
... and coming up empty-handed. PLUS two things that are sustaining me these days.
Welcome back to This Dream is a Poem, where we visit the cozy places where dreams and writing intersect.
Today I’ll give you an update on how I’m doing, what’s sustaining me these days, and some upcoming events where you can connect with the power of your dreams, writing, and creativity.
But first, I want to say thank you to all of the readers who reached out to me after last week’s post . Your outpouring of love and support was deeply appreciated.
Keep reading for an update on the situation with my folks, and a little wisdom from the Buddha.
On the verge of self-pity, I received a lesson in what it means to be human
It’s been a rough couple of weeks. My elderly parents—who just a few weeks ago were going to the gym every day and enjoying bagels and coffee at their favorite breakfast place afterward, are currently in rehab where they’re recovering together (in the same room!) from their two separate medical emergencies.
I’ve been doing my best to support them, while keeping up with my work—at least minimally—and practicing self-care in the midst of these stressful circumstances.
And in some moments, I’ve caught myself feeling a little sorry for myself. So, as I was running around visiting my folks and running errands for them, I mentioned my plight to some of the people I encountered.
In a conversation with the doctor who came to my dad’s bedside to give us an update on his status I learned that he was Ukrainian, and most of his family are still living in that embattled nation.
The woman who helped me figure out how to use the coffee dispenser in the hospital’s visitors’ lounge told me about the accident that put her husband in intensive care, and how she didn’t know what to do about the birthday party she had planned for their 5-year-old daughter that weekend.
Speaking to the social worker who is helping us plan post-rehab home care for my folks, she mentioned that she’d recently lost her own mother.
When I told the guy who showed up to power wash the deck at my parents’ house while they were in rehab, he replied, “I know how you feel. I lost my brother last year and now my wife is sick.”
Taking in all of these stories (and many more) while living through my own, I was reminded of the Buddhist parable of the mother whose baby had just died.
Overcome with grief she went from door-to-door in her village desperately begging for someone to bring her child back to life. Finally, she came to the home of the Buddha.
“There is a remedy,” the Buddha said. “Go back to each house in the village and gather a mustard seed from everyone who has not lost a loved one. Then return to me.”
The grieving mother set out on her errand feeling hopeful that she could return with the seeds and revive her child. But she could not find a single household that was untouched by suffering and death.
Finally, she returned to the Buddha, empty-handed, but wiser. She learned that loss and suffering are inevitable, and she was not exempt. With her new understanding, her grief subsided, and she went on to become a follower of the Buddha.
As I poured out my tale of woe again and again, and received in return stories about what each person I met was going through, I felt like the woman in that parable.
I stand here now with my empty palms upturned.
I am reminded once more that while we can’t bypass the grief and suffering that is part of life, we can help make one another’s hearts a little lighter by sharing our stories, and growing our compassion. After all, we are in this together.
Give yourself the gift of dreams, writing, and creativity
Two things that help me get through tough times are writing and working with my nighttime dreams. These two daily practices help me make meaning from the ups and downs of everyday life so I can savor sweetness when it comes, and find strength to meet challenges along the way, too.
I’d like to share these gifts with you. Check out the EVENTS on my website, and join me for an upcoming dream or writing workshop.
You can read more about my latest poetic translation project on my other online publication, The Life of H: Sarah, Reimagined.
Just published: The Little Dream Journal
It’s here! The Little Dream Journal: A space to spark insights from your midnight mind is a gorgeous guided journal with information on dreams and inspiration in the form of creative prompts and invitations.
Get a FREE signed copy of The Little Dream Journal. Here’s how:
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Until next time …
I’m dreaming with you,
