As far as I’m concerned anything can be lost. We have very little control over anything. The only thing that makes a difference is my attitude towards loss. “Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature’s delight.” Marcus Aurelius
What bees have taught me: The bee, attracted by the scent of the flower, lands on one then another, inadvertently enabling reproduction. Should the bee become extinct, not just the flowers but birds, small mammals, and humans would likely also cease to exist. It is fair to assume that the bee doesn’t know its role in this interconnected puzzle and in preserving nature. The bee is simply being. So too should I.
What my parents imparted to me at a deep and cellular level:: who they were, where they came from and the richness of their respective cultures, families, and experiences.. Their courage and determination to live their lives with integrity and truth to their beliefs and perspective to the best of their abilities.
All the many children I have had the honor and privilege of teaching in my lifetime, and who touched my life in so many ways.
The word “lost” has thrown me off a bit, too. But I think of the things that I consider riches… love shared with a partner, family, friends, and our dear pets. Even if someone passes on, that love remains. The feelings we shared cannot be lost unless I lose my memory, but even if that happened, I believe the feelings would resonate in my heart and the prana that flows through me. As I’ve been struggling with some things lately, I have been trying to stay focused on that energy and how it continues to flow just as the sun continues to rise…
My life has been about service to others. The opportunities to help others have been many, and I hope I have fulfilled most of them.
As I age, my work now is supporting my dear husband, who is declining and I fear soon will be lost to me. We treasure our time together, and I am happy helping him live his best life until the end.
I have too much awareness of the ways that things can be lost to answer this. My mom spent years with vascular dementia and lost memory, speech, enjoyment of food, the ability to read, and so much more. Another person might lose physical abilities such as being able to see or hear or walk or lift things. People in my life can leave or die. Potentially some “riches” that can’t be lost are the effects of my actions in the world, but I don’t even count on those–the ultimate outcomes are beyond my reach or my control and I don’t waste energy worrying about those.
I can appreciate what I have while I have it. As the Buddha said, attachment causes suffering. If I think about how something might be lost in the future I’m not appreciating it in this moment, which is the only moment I have.
One of the things I value, is
the many amazing and varied
experiences I’ve had. In this way,
life has been very good to me.
These are the things that really
make me who I am. Even when I
lose my memory of them, they
will still inform my personality
and character.
The truth that I once was present.
I loved and was loved,
in a world of beautiful nature.
I felt the fur and heard the barks
of our dogs Blossom and Pepper.
I spend 11 eleven years going to
night school for a college degree
and a better job.
I tried to help people that I loved
family, friends, and strangers.
I failed, struggled. and suffered
and wanted and tried to do and be better.
I was blessed by the love, caring, and help
from many others throughout my life including
people on this site.
The truth that I once was present.
The thoughts and experiences of the here and now…the present moment will be gone-but the experience “the knowing” of that experience will linger.. As someone else mentioned memories can be lost with disease…but right now we can hold dear all those memories that are most precious to us. This morning’s sunrise…I await…that will stay with me. The love I carry for others and my animals (all animals)…and the love that others have given me in my heart.
Memories: of reading aloud as a child as my mother was nearby ironing for others; 2009 spending 3 months with her in a hospice; riding a tricycle with my younger brother; sitting in my sacred niche in the foothills of Mt St Francis in Colorado Springs, Colorado. .
The word lost is an interesting choice, because nothing is permanent.. we can’t take anything with us,
We an do our best today and make the best out of what is going on now. We can’t even take our memories with us because some people even end up forgetting all of everything if they get a terrible disease. I’m just grateful for this life and this opportunity right now!
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
As far as I’m concerned anything can be lost. We have very little control over anything. The only thing that makes a difference is my attitude towards loss. “Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature’s delight.” Marcus Aurelius
Love and Time are the greatest of riches for me.
What bees have taught me: The bee, attracted by the scent of the flower, lands on one then another, inadvertently enabling reproduction. Should the bee become extinct, not just the flowers but birds, small mammals, and humans would likely also cease to exist. It is fair to assume that the bee doesn’t know its role in this interconnected puzzle and in preserving nature. The bee is simply being. So too should I.
Thank you, Don. I really love this!
What my parents imparted to me at a deep and cellular level:: who they were, where they came from and the richness of their respective cultures, families, and experiences.. Their courage and determination to live their lives with integrity and truth to their beliefs and perspective to the best of their abilities.
All the many children I have had the honor and privilege of teaching in my lifetime, and who touched my life in so many ways.
The word “lost” has thrown me off a bit, too. But I think of the things that I consider riches… love shared with a partner, family, friends, and our dear pets. Even if someone passes on, that love remains. The feelings we shared cannot be lost unless I lose my memory, but even if that happened, I believe the feelings would resonate in my heart and the prana that flows through me. As I’ve been struggling with some things lately, I have been trying to stay focused on that energy and how it continues to flow just as the sun continues to rise…
My life has been about service to others. The opportunities to help others have been many, and I hope I have fulfilled most of them.
As I age, my work now is supporting my dear husband, who is declining and I fear soon will be lost to me. We treasure our time together, and I am happy helping him live his best life until the end.
I have too much awareness of the ways that things can be lost to answer this. My mom spent years with vascular dementia and lost memory, speech, enjoyment of food, the ability to read, and so much more. Another person might lose physical abilities such as being able to see or hear or walk or lift things. People in my life can leave or die. Potentially some “riches” that can’t be lost are the effects of my actions in the world, but I don’t even count on those–the ultimate outcomes are beyond my reach or my control and I don’t waste energy worrying about those.
I can appreciate what I have while I have it. As the Buddha said, attachment causes suffering. If I think about how something might be lost in the future I’m not appreciating it in this moment, which is the only moment I have.
I don’t know.
One of the things I value, is
the many amazing and varied
experiences I’ve had. In this way,
life has been very good to me.
These are the things that really
make me who I am. Even when I
lose my memory of them, they
will still inform my personality
and character.
I am having trouble with this question. Will read others responses.
The truth that I once was present.
I loved and was loved,
in a world of beautiful nature.
I felt the fur and heard the barks
of our dogs Blossom and Pepper.
I spend 11 eleven years going to
night school for a college degree
and a better job.
I tried to help people that I loved
family, friends, and strangers.
I failed, struggled. and suffered
and wanted and tried to do and be better.
I was blessed by the love, caring, and help
from many others throughout my life including
people on this site.
The truth that I once was present.
Beautiful Rabbit, brought tears to my eyes. I relate to it a lot.
Thank you, Rabbit. Beautiful.
Beautifully said, Rabbit. Thank you!
Rabbit, Your post is beautiful…Thank you!
My faith and sweet memories.
The thoughts and experiences of the here and now…the present moment will be gone-but the experience “the knowing” of that experience will linger.. As someone else mentioned memories can be lost with disease…but right now we can hold dear all those memories that are most precious to us. This morning’s sunrise…I await…that will stay with me. The love I carry for others and my animals (all animals)…and the love that others have given me in my heart.
Memories: of reading aloud as a child as my mother was nearby ironing for others; 2009 spending 3 months with her in a hospice; riding a tricycle with my younger brother; sitting in my sacred niche in the foothills of Mt St Francis in Colorado Springs, Colorado. .
The word lost is an interesting choice, because nothing is permanent.. we can’t take anything with us,
We an do our best today and make the best out of what is going on now. We can’t even take our memories with us because some people even end up forgetting all of everything if they get a terrible disease. I’m just grateful for this life and this opportunity right now!
Thank You, Antoinette. I had trouble with this question. The word “lost” didn’t set well with me, either.
Yes, me too thank you ,