Life and death, being present in the moment.

Lots of input yesterday.  EOLD discussion on palliative care.  It is always a conversation about palliative, hospice.  The presenter made it clear - don't ask for but rather insist on palliative care sooner than later.  It has always seemed to me that "wouldn't life and death be better if every encounter with the medical systems be framed from the outlook of palliative care?"  But that is just me.  And as always insurance coverage is a trigger for action.  I did have an encouraging email back from the person who had asked me to share more of my thoughts - and I did.  "I appreciate you deeply! You're so dope."  Those young kids and their expressions.  :)  I shared with her the picture of the winding road.  Mine has and will continue to be winding.  

News that my TX friend's granddaughter's death on Feb 13.  Got a call from a college friend that a mutual friend died on Feb 13.  I was the RA on the floor where this VERY rambunctious group lived back in the early '70's of which she was one.  

Family friend was not feeling chipper so I walked alone on Wednesday for the first time in awhile.  Cleaned the apt with candles, incense and diffuser "blasting". Walked my W&T book club back to library, met up with PD buddy.  We share word work every a.m. but had not seen him in awhile.  Then EOLD discussion.  Then a longer treated surfaces walk.  Lansing DC last night.  One of the participants shared a clip where she was featured on her local news station.  Tragedy from which she has been emboldened to put herself in the spotlight for the good of others.  Thought provoking day.  

Today - read a bit this a.m., walk at 10 a.m. if I stay on course :), 1 p.m. massage Thursday!, Coachella DC tonight.  It will be the last one.  The facilitators are being pulled in other directions.  

For some reason my eye was drawn to a book I had highlighted decades ago but was drawn again to it this a.m. as I looked for things to help me work through the death information I have heard over this week.  The Pema Chodron Collection: The Wisdom of No Escape; Start Where You Are; When Things Fall Apart. But I am also drawn to the fact that people have injected them into my life - former boss, life long friend "popping in" on Monday, former co worker seeing me on my walk yesterday, college friend popping in with friend's death announcement, the book... as I shared last night as the DC closed - unique but not alone as we all move through life.  But I also shared with the minister family friend as he shared about a scene where he was present for a church member of his who had just lost a baby.  

On Wed, Feb 14, 10:23 AM 

so true

On Wed, Feb 14, 2024 at 9:47 AM

I have heard it in death cafes that people share "How much do dogs or cats have to say to let people know they are there for them?"...I am trying to be "that cat" for my friend.  

On Wed, Feb 14, 2024 at 9:22 AM

The pictures were lovely. I have only pastorally dealt with three stillbirths as such. In one of them, I was at the hospital with the mom that day and the hospital social worker came in. She basically ignored me as the woman's minister and took over the conversation. I was surprised, that usually doesn't happen. But she offered something to the mom I have valued since and that I have repeated many times. She wanted to warn her that many people would try to console her or give her their advice. And the social worker predicted that someone would say something absolutely stupid. Say something that would likely enrage her. ("It's God's will...it's for the best...or what have you). It was really good advice, which has caused me at such times to say as little as possible. 

Obviously, lots going on in my head.  Surprise, surprise.  :/  I am going to my local artist coop and buy some cards today.  Will not let email be my response to some people.  

A business or love partner could bring opportunities for advancement your way today, Libra. You may decide to draft or execute legal papers that could be very important to your future. Travel might somehow be involved. Romance looks promising today. Your confidence and enthusiasm are showing in your face and could make you seem more attractive than usual, both to your partner and strangers. In the evening, plan an intimate celebration!

You'll be reminded that there's no love like self-love, dear Libra, as Mercury aligns with Chiron and the Nodes of Fate. Lean into these vibes by pursuing personal passions and relationships that bring vibrancy to your world. This energy can also help repair bruised connections, though you'll need to take accountability for mistakes made in the past while suggesting healthy ways to move forward. Luckily, the Taurus moon provides a stabilizing and cleansing energy, adding convenience to fresh starts, releasing grief, and establishing true intimacy. Just be mindful to ride alongside those who will evolve with and not against you.

It’s not often that life is this good, so make the most of it and don’t worry that there might be some sort of cosmic catch. On the contrary, the planets suggest that you can get away with just about anything, so why would you want to limit yourself?

I will keep the good thought that my massage and the energy "spoken" in my cosmic guidance will be shining bright light.  Fingers crossed.  Have a good Thursday.