by Reishin Denise Leong
On July 27, a tornado hit the Wisconsin community where many of my local sangha members live, where our zendo is. Devastation, damage, loss of power (in so many ways), fallen trees everywhere, but gratefully, everyone from my sangha and the area survived with no injuries.
In an instant, the world is upside down. In another instant, the sun is shining.
The worry. And then the joy … of reading every text as each sangha mate reported being safe.
The vicissitudes of life. They are constants in our personal spheres and in the world, sometimes all together, all at once, in a swirl that can destabilize and confuse us. NOT KNOWING, never really knowing what will arise next, I am reminded again that if we can abide in Clear Deep Heart Mind, we can find the calm and discern what compassionate action is needed.
Once the sun filtered through the clouds after our tornado, humanity emerged on full throttle – with chainsaws, ladders, and lifts – neighbor helping neighbor, absorbing the losses, and grateful for life.
The harsh lesson of impermanence. The wonderful spirit of connection.
Holding it all lightly with love and gratitude.
