I pride myself on noticing what's around me. I don't keep my vision diverted from nature and humanity by obsessing over a 3 inch phone screen. Yet I'll go by something I've passed many times and suddenly see a bunch of local plants or designs on a building or a work of art I've never noticed. A reminder the familiar often isn't.
Your post was also a reminder not to put off things you've been meaning to do. So before writing this comment, I filled out a volunteer form for a local (Seattle) PAC NW native plant organization and its garden. I know the subject quite well; it's both pleasurable and purposeful to me.
Since I've never been directly introduced to Mr. Reaper, I can't say much. Except to recommend the work of Jeff Kripal, a prof of Comparative Religion at Rice U. who's an expert on all sorts of anomalous experiences and what I call High Weirdness. He speaks of "the traumatic secret"--that horrible events can trigger abilities such as ESP, past life memories, diagnostic gifts, etc. He's clear he's not brushing away or justifying the truly gruesome, appalling, or totally devastating incidents people may suffer individually or collectively.
I'd add positive thinking is not a solution, either. Of course being alert to the world around you and being reasonably optimistic are good for the soul. But what I mean is the implication if you only concentrated hard enough, or if religious had sufficient faith, everything would be wonderful. Those are thinly disguised ways to blame the victim. Truth is much more nuanced and much more complicated than that. Uncertainty and chance are part of life--otherwise neither physical nor spiritual evolution could happen.
Thanks for the lovely comment, Rafi! I like what you are saying. I totally agree about the being positive thing. It's not like choosing a pizza topping. If you don't naturally have it, it comes only after years of cultivation if lucky. As you point out, it's blaming and less than useless. Our attitudes and dispositions are delicate flowers we must nourish and protect.
Same here with my husband's blood cancer. Three years in, he is so much more thoughtful and kind and directed. It looks like he will be off chemo in August. Amazing journey for us all. May it go well for you, David!
Hi David - I love that you let it all hang out. That is not as easy as you make it feel, but being authentic breeds life .. so, paradoxically, hang on in there. Best to you!
David, Hi. Love the work you do and how you're sharing your ups and downs. So real. "Fine" is not always (or maybe not even usually) the honest answer to "How's it going?" Very refreshing but so sorry you're having to deal with this. Hoping for more ups than downs for you. Tom
Wishing you well. I find that being out in nature helps me the uncertainty of disease. I watch the squirrels and the birds and think, "look how they just live life" and I remind myself that we humans are a part of a beautiful circle of life. That gives me comfort.
I'm not very eloquent, especially in online comment sections. But I wish you lots of great days. I've seen a lot of cancer in my family and you seem to bring up the thing that is sometimes hard to feel: it's not over after the diagnosis. There are beautiful days to come. "find and enjoy the wonder, abundance, and joy available in each moment"
As a 2 year cancer survivor, I totally get this! Learn to listen to your body and appreciate the good days. And give yourself permission to just be. You got this!!
Thanks, Laura. I can see that there is a cancer club out here. If you know, you know. I like the idea of learning to listen to my body. It seems basic, but it's not something I've always done. ❤️
I pride myself on noticing what's around me. I don't keep my vision diverted from nature and humanity by obsessing over a 3 inch phone screen. Yet I'll go by something I've passed many times and suddenly see a bunch of local plants or designs on a building or a work of art I've never noticed. A reminder the familiar often isn't.
Your post was also a reminder not to put off things you've been meaning to do. So before writing this comment, I filled out a volunteer form for a local (Seattle) PAC NW native plant organization and its garden. I know the subject quite well; it's both pleasurable and purposeful to me.
Since I've never been directly introduced to Mr. Reaper, I can't say much. Except to recommend the work of Jeff Kripal, a prof of Comparative Religion at Rice U. who's an expert on all sorts of anomalous experiences and what I call High Weirdness. He speaks of "the traumatic secret"--that horrible events can trigger abilities such as ESP, past life memories, diagnostic gifts, etc. He's clear he's not brushing away or justifying the truly gruesome, appalling, or totally devastating incidents people may suffer individually or collectively.
I'd add positive thinking is not a solution, either. Of course being alert to the world around you and being reasonably optimistic are good for the soul. But what I mean is the implication if you only concentrated hard enough, or if religious had sufficient faith, everything would be wonderful. Those are thinly disguised ways to blame the victim. Truth is much more nuanced and much more complicated than that. Uncertainty and chance are part of life--otherwise neither physical nor spiritual evolution could happen.
Thanks for the lovely comment, Rafi! I like what you are saying. I totally agree about the being positive thing. It's not like choosing a pizza topping. If you don't naturally have it, it comes only after years of cultivation if lucky. As you point out, it's blaming and less than useless. Our attitudes and dispositions are delicate flowers we must nourish and protect.
David, i'm a big fan and rooting for you from the sidelines. (The bustle in my hedgerow? Too freakin' funny). Virtual hug to you.
Thanks, Lilybel! I appreciate that. V hugs back.
Great comic. Loved the vibe. The expressions on the faces are priceless. However, nobody with couth pees with the seat down.
Not on purpose, anyway... Thanks, David!
Same here with my husband's blood cancer. Three years in, he is so much more thoughtful and kind and directed. It looks like he will be off chemo in August. Amazing journey for us all. May it go well for you, David!
Hi Julie! Sorry to hear about this but glad he is reaping the benefits. Best wishes right back at you!
Hi David - I love that you let it all hang out. That is not as easy as you make it feel, but being authentic breeds life .. so, paradoxically, hang on in there. Best to you!
Thanks, Ian! I appreciate this, and agree. It's contagious in the best way.
David, Hi. Love the work you do and how you're sharing your ups and downs. So real. "Fine" is not always (or maybe not even usually) the honest answer to "How's it going?" Very refreshing but so sorry you're having to deal with this. Hoping for more ups than downs for you. Tom
Thanks, Tom! I appreciate the kind words and wisdom.
Wishing you well. I find that being out in nature helps me the uncertainty of disease. I watch the squirrels and the birds and think, "look how they just live life" and I remind myself that we humans are a part of a beautiful circle of life. That gives me comfort.
That's lovely, Aunty. I love nature too and find it very grounding. We are part of the circle and maybe that's what I get when I'm out in it. Thanks.
Funny and thoughtful comic. I’m sending you good vibes. Keep up the creativity!✌️
Thanks, Rina! I appreciate that. ❤️
I'm not very eloquent, especially in online comment sections. But I wish you lots of great days. I've seen a lot of cancer in my family and you seem to bring up the thing that is sometimes hard to feel: it's not over after the diagnosis. There are beautiful days to come. "find and enjoy the wonder, abundance, and joy available in each moment"
Your comic is just wonderful. Again.
Thanks, Marijke! Sorry for the cancer around you. That's not easy, but thank you for the wisdom you have gained from it.
Glad to see you are enjoying every day of life: it's not the destination David--it's the journey.
Just don't fall under a bus.
Ha! Yeah, those risks still exist too. The journey is the destination, I just heard someone say. Thanks, Paul.
Positivity in abundance, Dave!
The Light always wins over darkness. ALWAYS!!
Jen Banos & bro (your old RI neighbor Steve T. )
Thanks, Jen! And hi!!
As a 2 year cancer survivor, I totally get this! Learn to listen to your body and appreciate the good days. And give yourself permission to just be. You got this!!
Thanks, Laura. I can see that there is a cancer club out here. If you know, you know. I like the idea of learning to listen to my body. It seems basic, but it's not something I've always done. ❤️