The Secret of Health~ Buddhist thought for the day

I had a different post scheduled for this week

but the untimely death of a certain public figure

and beautiful, tortured human being

as well as the recent diagnosis of a family illness

left me with the need for something different. 

Monday, August 11th,

was also the birthday of a beloved friend

who would have been 51

but was taken from us,

fighting all the way,

at 26. 

So I went in search of Buddhist quotes 

as I sometimes do. 

"The secret of health for both mind and body

is not to mourn for the past,

nor to worry about the future,

but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly."

~Buddha

Today's quote is so basic

but a real reminder that when we spend our precious energy

on rehashing the past or worrying about the future,

our bodies don't have their full energy potential for healing and staying healthy. 

And usually, rehashing and worrying

are filled with toxic, negative emotional components

that also destroy our ability to heal. 

Being in the present

gives our bodies all the attention they deserve

and the energy they need. 

And since the present moment is really the only thing we truly have,

we might as well be living it to the fullest. 

Take a moment today,

maybe even more than one,

and spend it in gratitude just for this one particular moment

and the beauty around you,

your friends, your family,

and the love that encompasses you

through the grace of God and the universe. 

Feel that peace. 

And wish that soul (among so many others)

who just chose to leave us

a breathy, beautiful farewell

and that same peace. 

My hope is that my friend is there to greet him,

these two who both so loved the same city.

That they still feel the love we send them

and know how much joy they brought to us

and that they keep each other giggling 

with their funny characters and voices. 

Miss you both.

Til we meet again. 

(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen

Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon)