Hi Everyone! Happy Monday to you, too, Marjorie!
Lyin Eyes:
I would like to know more of how you learned the things you have to make you see things the way you do now.
I love Buddhism because there is a real love for all life. The moment one deliberately causes violence or kills, one ceases to be Buddhist. Being a Buddhist has also given me a greater appreciation of Christianity, i.e. what Christianity REALLY means - which, to me, is the same as Buddhism.
There are times when, yes, I, too, am afraid that I might die. Then, when I'm calm and in a more collected mood, I see it for what it is. We are all conditioned. There is no such thing as 'I'. For example, are you the same person you were yesterday? Last week? Last year? Ten years ago? Of course not. We have to see that we are a spiritual being wrapped up inside a physical being, brought about through the conditions we have generated ourselves. Now that I see this more clearly, I have become more loving - I even love myself more - and THAT is what keeps me going.
I don't want to die for another 30 years, because there's so much I want to do now. I want to help as many people as I possibly can, something I never really thought about until I contracted this disease. I have learnt from having an affliction. We have to heal the hurt inside, something we may have carried around for decades, before we can be truly healed altogether - and certainly before we can really help anyone else.
So far, today has been a good day. I keep on progressing as much as I can. I try to steer clear of upset and anxiety. I surround myself with positivity. I try not to dwell on my illness, but on the cure.
I owe so much to so many already. Everyone here has been a tower of strength for me. Did you know, and research bears this out, that those who have been prayed for survive better than those who haven't! This is both Christian and Buddhist. The forces surrounding us are far more powerful than we realise. I try to tap into that power. Your prayers and vibes are having a greater impact for me than you possibly realise, so please don't ever stop.
It's lunch time here so I'm going to grab some (all vegan). Claire is on holiday all week, thankfully, so we can get about together.
I thank you from the depths of my soul for all your wondefully upbuilding thoughts and comments.
All my sincere love,
Ian