Between Storms

Between storms last week, I sat outside in the muddy garden to pull weeds. The trees above me swayed and cracked in the strong winds. The creek surged by, swollen and so loud that I could barely hear my own thoughts. Then today the sun is out and the blue sky is fresh and clear. The  Refuge here survived the storms. The field below the barn did turn into a pond, but the trees didn't fall, and the creek never breached the road. 

Life is like this, winds and storms blowing through unexpectedly. Sometimes we experience joy and pleasure and other seasons are filled with pain and loss. This happens over and over in life, maybe even in one morning. No pleasure is lasting, and likewise no difficulty is permanent either. Our task can be to find balance with it all so that we can live fully. What helps you remember that you have survived all of it thus far? We need not be diminished by the difficulties in life and can experience a huge amount of freedom when we remember that the winds of life blow through everyone's life. 

The "pond" by the barn has already drained and the creek is returning back to normal. If the winds of loss are blowing in your life, I am sending compassion and care. Let me know if you need support! Come to yoga, listen to a dharma talk, reach out to a friend.