Due to persistent symptoms, we learned that dear Bret is going to need to have another procedure for his beautiful, brilliant heart.
One thing we share is that we both love to embrace all of life as a living, breathing meditation…
…and we are both so aware, in certain moments like these, how the human mind has the capacity to go in so many different directions…
…and to, perhaps, judge certain experiences as GOOD or BAD.
However, one practice we have long loved doing together is lifting those labels and recognizing the vast limitations of our minds — particularly limited because we can see what is and what has been…
…but not so clearly what will be or what otherwise would have been.
The antidote (for us):
Just to trust the process and do what we can to TURN whatever it is into something beautiful and beneficial (for the greater good of all)…
…because that much we know is possible.
Long ago, Bret shared the below teaching story with me, and I have thought about it countless times over the years.
I believe it’s from the Taoist tradition but can’t say for sure.
Today feels like a perfect moment to share it here, just in case you’ve never heard it and it can serve you in any way.
It’s a powerful reminder to drop the limited story our minds may make up — and to trust the journey.
THE STORY:
A farmer used an old horse to help plough his fields.
One day, the horse escaped and galloped off.
When the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the man over the bad news, the farmer replied:
“Good? Bad? Who Knows?”
A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses!
This time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on this good news.
He replied: “Good? Bad? Who knows?”
Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off the horse’s back and broke his leg.
Everyone thought this was very bad news.
The farmer’s reaction:
“Good? Bad? Who knows?”
Some weeks later, the army marched into the village, requiring every able-bodied youth they found to enlist.
When they saw the farmer’s son with this broken leg, they let him off.
And the story ends with…
Good? Bad? Who Knows?
Blessed be.
(I realize it’s not always so simple and suggest only applying this when it feels helpful, of course)
Also, a little more of an update on amazing Bret:
He has remained wonderfully active and is doing sooo well on so many countless levels, despite recurring heart symptoms since January’s first heart procedure.
We are immensely grateful.
We have been referred to the most renowned electrophysiologist in the state for his procedure next week (Thursday), and he’ll be in the best of hands and care.
Goodness golly, electrophysiology and the human heart and body are all just so fascinating and WONDROUS.
What a remarkable gift!
Thanks so much to all of you who have beamed your love his way and asked how he is doing. We appreciate your big hearts so, so, so much.
And here’s a little pic — the honor of having each other’s back through all of life.
Wishing YOU, beautiful friends, moments of deep peace and glimmers of life’s grace.
Abundant Love and Joy,
