In early October my daughter became gravely ill, and I sat at her bedside in a Canadian hospital for two long weeks. As my body’s physical energy drained away I became aware that my spirit body was sitting by her bedside, holding space for her healing. My vigil became one long prayer for her life and recovery.
After she finally started that long road to her recovery, she told me that her experience near death’s door had been life-altering––waking her up to a deep gratitude for her daily human existence. I am amazed to see this remarkable change in perspective by someone who is only in their twenties. (I was blessed with this change of perspective only after a cancer adventure in my fifties.)
A few days after her discharge I went on the road. I couldn’t believe that I was doing this in my state of exhaustion, but I intuitively knew it was the right thing to do. I traveled out of state with a good friend and attended a Sufi retreat. Two and a half days of meditating, singing, circle dancing, chanting, teachings, and loving community refilled my cup. I came home reminded of the preciousness of life and how important it is to choose what I do with my time here. I recommitted to focusing on the quality of the vibration that I embody in everything I do.
The link below is a sweet rendition of one of the songs we sang in circle. It’s based on a quote from the Dalai Lama and reminds us to practice gratitude for our precious human life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAaAyg4DCbU
❤️