Yesterday I saw the surgeon for my six-week check-up and received rave reviews for all the hard work I have put in. That included the restraint I have practiced since my hip replacement. Doing is a cinch compared to non-doing.
It has been quite a challenge, as you know, if you have been following along. I am attempting to walk au natural – no cane, no arm to grasp, just careful footfalls one at a time. Slow going. Mindful steps. No multi-tasking.
The transition is welcome but a bit strange. I am wobbly, and in public, I feel like a target -- very vulnerable. I still couldn’t weather a fall or survive being bumped by a buxom body.
Today I will drive myself for the first time in six weeks, and that is exciting. My ideas of fun have expanded vastly. I am going to the physical therapist. Sit on your envy, please. Yesterday I blissed out swimming laps in our warm pool, and then took a hot tub. What a joy for this Piscean. Mumbles was also celebrating, and at every opportunity setting his tennis ball afloat for me to pitch from my fish tank.
I am very grateful and optimistic about a full recovery: a return to yoga, workouts in our new gym and being able to sleep without the preoccupation of precariously playing my limbs
out of harm’s way.
It has been an interesting time out. I know life isn’t fair if viewed on the ledger line. I know that lasting happiness and sadness, although influenced by positive and negative attitudes and events, cannot be predicated on good things happening and bad things going away. That is a sure set up for defeat and misery.
This interval of helplessness, pain, fear and dependence has helped me to be more accepting and to not take life’s assaults personally. It has reorganized my priority list. Love and health must lead the way.
My meditation practice has strengthened and lately I returned to Metta (Lovingkindness) practice. It takes me to that tender spot in my core that is forgiving of my Self and all Selves. In a state of openhearted groundless compassion, I fall in love anew with the whole world.
I wish that for you, too, my friend.
May we be free of danger.
May we have mental happiness.
May we have physical happiness.
May we have ease of well being.
May all beings, in all realms, in all forms be free of pain
and suffering. May we all be at peace.
