I had an interview with my Buddhist teacher yesterday, and his big heart caused me to feel enfolded. What he said was simple, but so supportive of what I told him about how I was feeling. His focus was intensely on listening to me completely. That experience feels wonderful and is rare. He serves as a model to me in my speech and attentiveness to others. I cried. Because he was so present, I was completely present. And then his assistant talked to me for quarter of an hour afterward, and she was so helpful. I told her my heart was broken and she reminded me that Pema Chodrun says that are heart is broken open, and from that comes true compassion.
In the late afternoon I went to a friend's open house, and I had confidence, where I am usually shy. I sat down at a table with two men I didn't know, and they were talking about cancer and I joined the conversation. One was a doctor and one undergoing treatment for cancer. I talked about several books I'd read and the conference I'd just attended, and felt a real connection with them both. When the doctor left he wished my daughter health and continued remission, and he meant it sincerely. It was a nice brief connection.
I am keep my broken heart open, so that I may hear and see others with attention and compassion.
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