It is human nature to view things from a dualistic perspective. Yet, at this time we are living in, there are many things changing. As practitioners of Ekayana Buddhism, we study the Ten Suchnesses which show us not only to see the distinctions, but also the inter-connectedness of all things. The Buddha’s viewpoint contains all of this. It is important that we begin to view the world from this broad perspective, too.

     Can we grow and expand in our awareness? Yes, I think we are doing that each and every day. It is time to develop the ability to see things from new perspectives. It will ease our suffering, help us understand and be compassionate with others, and together, we can make better choices for the benefit of all beings.

     Let’s look at “healing”. In the usual mind-set, we say either a person has a disease or the disease has been cured and no longer exists. 

     We know there are many factors for diseases. It can be genetic, the effects of poor eating and drinking habits, long term deep- seated emotions that have finally surfaced physically…

    When someone does become ill, we send prayers, chanting, and positive wishes for them to regain their health. But, we also pray that “their highest need to be met” because we do not know the specific nature of their highest need.  it may be recovery or it may transition out of their body, which in some cases of long term illness can actually be a blessing and an end to suffering. Of course, if someone does recover, this is always an occasion for celebration.

     Now let’s broaden our view of “healing.” Perhaps someone who has a terminal disease is not cured in the usual sense – what if through having the disease, they were able for the first time, to fully awaken and appreciate their life? Truly taking time to “stop and smell the roses” and see the magnificent beauty of springtime and the magic of Mother Nature? To really savor all the flavors of a wonderfully prepared meal? To listen to music so wonderful it seems to have come from heaven? To truly hug a friend and look deeply into their eyes – sharing the specialness of that moment? This too, is a healing…

       And what if someone is “incurable” but during the last year of their life, they we able to re-connect with their parents whom they have not communicated with in 20 years. And for the first time in a long time, they related to each other with compassion and understanding? This too, is a healing…

       Perhaps in the last few months of someone’s life, they were able to relate to their children in a totally new way and the children, for the first time, were able to connect on a new level with them – stepping up to take care of their parent’s needs, with love and respect. This too, is a healing…

       What if someone has been a “taker” most of their lives and fearful to share? Can you imagine the freedom they can feel when they drop fear, realize they can’t take their money and “stuff” with them when they die, and begin to experience the joy of freely giving to others? And in the end… finally feel compassionately connected to everyone? This too, is a healing…

       I invite you to always search for the many ways in which healing can occur in our lifetime. This is cause for great rejoicing!

Let appreciation and gratitude be your first thought in the morning and your last thought at night. This too, is a healing…