I just read your Substack for today. Thank you for spelling out the energy field we octogenarians occupy, each of us with varying degrees of clarity and appreciation. Move through the 12 remaining days of my 83rd year, I resonate with many of your observations as I begin to turn the page to Chapter 84.
Your write a paragraph about the five remembrances, a powerful phrase that clearly has meaning for you and many others and is new to me:
I find it helpful to rehearse the five remembrances: I am of the nature to grow old. I am of the nature to be sick. I am of the nature to die. Everyone and everything I love is of the nature to change, and I will become separated from them. My actions are the ground on which I stand. May I take actions moment by moment to care for others, society, the living Earth and this body-mind.
As I read that paragraph and the following 5 paragraphs, I seek some clarification.
Are these the five remembrances you mention?
I am of the nature to grow old.
I am of the nature to be sick.
I am of the nature to die.
Everyone and everything I love is of the nature to change, and I will become separated from them.
My actions are the ground on which I stand.
And are your next 5 paragraphs about rehearsing them?
Thanks in advance for reading this and for any response you may make.
May Peace prevail in our hearts and on the Earth today,
Good to hear from you, Elizabeth. Yes, those are the Buddhist Five Remembrances. The following paragraphs do not elaborate those but focus on the fifth one concerning our actions. Blessings to you!
Of course you are tired. You are grieving, personally and for our democracy and climate. I hear you and am with you. And I am only 65. Thank you for your good work Robertson. I read every column.
You have expressed gratitude for all of creation: not only our precious earth, but for your ancestors and those who have followed or will follow, known or not known to you personally. You have given much of yourself to all that you believe in. As a wise elder, I proclaim that your gift is your ability to reflect on and write about all that has brought you to this time in your life. Keep writing, keep expressing what you feel, on behalf of others who enjoy reading your reflections.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and views. They touch me deeply. I will do what I can to continue reflecting, writing and taking action. Blessings to you and your family, dear friend.
You remind me that it is enough, that I am enough. That resting when I am tired, and taking care of the multitude of every day tasks is enough, and that marching and being one of 8m people who care about this earth and all it's inhabitants is crucial. And to acknowledge my own grieving for friends and family members who are leaving this earth while I process the grief of what is happening to our country.
From Elizabeth Austin:
"Good morning Rob,
Blessings on your day today and always.
I just read your Substack for today. Thank you for spelling out the energy field we octogenarians occupy, each of us with varying degrees of clarity and appreciation. Move through the 12 remaining days of my 83rd year, I resonate with many of your observations as I begin to turn the page to Chapter 84.
Your write a paragraph about the five remembrances, a powerful phrase that clearly has meaning for you and many others and is new to me:
I find it helpful to rehearse the five remembrances: I am of the nature to grow old. I am of the nature to be sick. I am of the nature to die. Everyone and everything I love is of the nature to change, and I will become separated from them. My actions are the ground on which I stand. May I take actions moment by moment to care for others, society, the living Earth and this body-mind.
As I read that paragraph and the following 5 paragraphs, I seek some clarification.
Are these the five remembrances you mention?
I am of the nature to grow old.
I am of the nature to be sick.
I am of the nature to die.
Everyone and everything I love is of the nature to change, and I will become separated from them.
My actions are the ground on which I stand.
And are your next 5 paragraphs about rehearsing them?
Thanks in advance for reading this and for any response you may make.
May Peace prevail in our hearts and on the Earth today,
Elizabeth Austin
Ashland, OR "
Good to hear from you, Elizabeth. Yes, those are the Buddhist Five Remembrances. The following paragraphs do not elaborate those but focus on the fifth one concerning our actions. Blessings to you!
From Mary Pembleton:
"Your piece this morning is so beautiful and perfect. Thank you."
Thank you, Mary, and blessings to you and yours.
Of course you are tired. You are grieving, personally and for our democracy and climate. I hear you and am with you. And I am only 65. Thank you for your good work Robertson. I read every column.
Thank you, Karen Climate, and for all you do for others.
Dear Rob,
You have expressed gratitude for all of creation: not only our precious earth, but for your ancestors and those who have followed or will follow, known or not known to you personally. You have given much of yourself to all that you believe in. As a wise elder, I proclaim that your gift is your ability to reflect on and write about all that has brought you to this time in your life. Keep writing, keep expressing what you feel, on behalf of others who enjoy reading your reflections.
Dear Molly,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and views. They touch me deeply. I will do what I can to continue reflecting, writing and taking action. Blessings to you and your family, dear friend.
Rob
Your honesty is what touches me most. Your road to acceptance. With all the bumps and turns. I am glad to know you through your words. Blessings. Flo
Your sharing of your experience makes me happy, Flo. I am glad to know you through your words and paintings. Blessings to you and yours.
You remind me that it is enough, that I am enough. That resting when I am tired, and taking care of the multitude of every day tasks is enough, and that marching and being one of 8m people who care about this earth and all it's inhabitants is crucial. And to acknowledge my own grieving for friends and family members who are leaving this earth while I process the grief of what is happening to our country.
Yes! Thank you for being you!
Life is short, live like your head is on fire. GOTAMA, the Buddha
For sure, Rob, you live this!
Yes! And you as well, my friend!