Three quotes, one general idea
Three different quotes from three different spiritual teachers:
“When you know how to listen, everybody is the guru.”
~ Ram Dass
“Whatever arises, love that.”
~ Matt Khan
“May it serve awakening.”
~ Tara Brach
Different in detail, doesn't it seem those three quotes are all nevertheless saying something similar? To my mind they're saying we can grow and profit from whoever or whatever comes along.
I find I use that idea regularly to help stay positive about my recovery. Seeming obstacles and misfortunes can become growth opportunities. As a very routine example, I take a walk every day and consider it to be an important “session” in my daily practice. Early on I had to stop combining these walks with walking our dog Poppy as managing her behavior just seemed too distracting for my practice. Fortunately my wife was able to take over. Sometimes though she can't take Poppy, and I fill in, though it reduces or eliminates my own regular walk. On these occasions I remind myself that this seeming obstacle can become an opportunity. It can give me good practice in staying connected with my Friend under more distracting conditions. In the long run that makes it more a help than a hindrance!
Probably the biggest example of this idea involves seeing Parkinson's itself not as a misfortune but as an opportunity for spiritual growth, an opportunity for a richer life. Though I haven't taken pleasure in PD symptoms, I've learned to see them as a reminder that my life, going forward, can be richer than it ever would have been were it not for the chance to recover from Parkinson's. “Whatever arises, love that” indeed!
Might the above quotes be helpful for you in your daily practice? Please contact me to let me know of any quotes you've found particularly useful in your own recovery process!