Reflections, Suggestions, & Seed Thoughts

Greetings and Happy New Year.

Reflections
In the early stages, faced with the unknowns of an unpredictable illness, most of us are still dealing with issues of acceptance. It's helpful to remember that whatever we resist, deplore, or condemn only creates more suffering. Sometimes when I felt besieged by the challenges of caretaking, I'd remind myself that even dementia was "in the natural order of things." Reflect on what helps to deepen acceptance for you.

Suggestions
It is human nature to close down and contract in the face of a serious illness. We may assume that friends will pull back and avoid us. This may be true occasionally, but most people want to respond when friends are in need. That's important to remember--especially for those who are hesitant to ask for help.

Seed Thoughts
May I cultivate compassion toward myself and others.

Reflections, Suggestions, & Seed Thought

Reflections
Understand how natural it is for a wide range of feelings to arise: numbness, denial, sadness, dread, despair, fear, grief, anger, and so on. Each of us has different ways of handling our feelings, but we care for our health and well-being when we open to their intensity. Be gentle and nonjudgemental with yourself, your spouse, and others when strong feelings arise; acceptance is a gradual process.

Suggestions
Is there any one person who stands out for your who might be an ally for you? This person might be a family member, friend, wise elder, minister, rabbi, or teacher.

Seed Thought
May I accept the surprises of this illness.