PEACE

I saw Guru Irene this weekend. She seems to have finally found peace.
She has that look in her eyes. Distant but the lights are on and the mind is still very sharp. It wasn't always that way. She battled alcoholism for 20 years and it crippled her. Her mind was dulled and railing against everything in those years. It has left her gaunt, twisted and in pain. She hardly eats, shuffles about on a zimmer frame, and finds little joy in the world now. Even her grandchildren fail to drag her back into the illusion. She has had enough. But she has found peace.
Have you?
I asked her what she has learnt in her time on this earth.
'Be tough, be strong, don't let others push you about.'
I love you Irene. You are me.

"Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable. The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable. The plum blossom is hardy, fragrant, and elegant. '' - Morihei Ueshiba