a moment of gratitude

As a younger woman, I was afflicted by a wanderlust that eventually led me to France, where I settled for almost three years. In the southern region of Dordogne, in a hamlet called Plum Village, lives a group of Buddhist monks and nuns, who practice the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. My twin sister came to visit me in Paris, and together we made the pilgrimage to Plum Village.  This visit helped shape the rest of my life, as it marked the beginning of my mindfulness practice.

Now, almost twenty five years later, our beloved Thay, (teacher) is in the hospital after experiencing a severe brain hemorrhage on November 11, 2014.  The monks and nuns  have offered us guidance with these wise words.  “Let us support Thay by sustaining our practice of mindfulness throughout the day, wherever we are, keeping Thay alive within us and within our community. With deep conscious breaths and mindful steps, let us allow Thay’s teachings to ripen within us, helping us see Thay’s continuation body and Thay’s sangha body.”

I’ve returned to some photo composites I made for him, after our trip to China in 1995.  I miss him, I worry about him, but I can be with him again as these images bring me back to the times we were together.  I am grateful for my twin who first introduced me to Thay. I am grateful for the monks and nuns who attend our teacher continuously at his bedside, breathing with him, embracing him with their love.

I am forever grateful for Thich Nhat Hanh, who taught me that I have arrived, I am home.