waves on an ocean

"What we call life...consists of single moments, which arise, dissolve, and arise again, like waves on an ocean"-- The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

As a child I lived near an ocean and I loved body-surfing the waves into shore. The highest were the best; in their current all I could do was "just go" and let myself be churned onto the beach. Those moments held everything: Fear tossed with abandon mixed with awe. And I would go back for another ride and another and another not because I was stupid (well, maybe) but because I was vaguely aware of something else: This land-locked human was dissolving into something I could not understand, but what a relief it was.

Where we are: Rich is experiencing a significant amount of pain in his neck, arm, and two of his fingers. He considers the possibility that "this is the beginning of the end." A big wave, again, and a reminder to let the fear melt away. But I will try to keep the wildness and wonder.

Candace