Betsy Loeb
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Dear Kelly, Thank you for your courage with your descriptions of the difficulty of this reading. I, too, had many questions about what different concepts meant: If our world and ourselves are a creation of ignorance and emotional afflictions rooted in grasping at self, how is it that the nature of mind is absolute truth, buddha nature & voidness. How do the 4 “emblems” relate to the 4 Noble Truths? These are just a few examples.
BetsyIt’s hard to pick just one type of suffering! But, since I’m 75 years old the suffering of aging seems logical and ever present. In my own words: the suffering caused by aging emphasizes how transitory life is, how we and others are forever changing and that close behind the suffering of aging is dying and death. Seemingly the ultimate fear.
Fortunately, I’ve been very healthy most of my life. It really wasn’t until a few months before my 75th birthday when I had a major fall, broke my ankle in several places and stayed in the hospital for a week, that I realized how fragile my independent living (I Live alone) had become. Fortunately for now, after searching for independent living places, I decided that for now I could continue to live in my house of 40 years!
I think the thing about growing old is clearly not having control over the future. Of course, that’s true at any age, but it seems so ever present now.
I find myself trying to shove many activities in now before it’s too late. Eg. traveling, joining a fitness center, going to different events to be entertained. And, I realize how fortunate I am to have both the financial means, physical and emotional means for this.
One area of my life that I’m disappointed in is that I’ve been divorced for almost 30 years. Loneliness at times can be unbearable. And, at 75 yrs old meeting my soulmate is close to absurd!
Anyway, I don’t like moaning and complaining about my life circumstances. I have been so very fortunate in my life.
Hello, Karen
As I read your response, I feel so much dedication and determination from you in getting to know yourself and the world. I was struck by your analysis of how you actually spend your time to determine your devotion. I also was struck by your devotion to self-learning (your observation of your stress) and to learning about the world (“I read a lot and take a lot of classes…). It seems that you have many aspirations and central is love, health and knowing. I wish you joy, happiness and a sense of fulfillment as you continue along your journey.Hello, David
When I read your response to the question of devotion, I feel such warmth, big hearted-ness and gentleness radiating from your words. I feel your kind presence. It appears as if you have a lovely circle of teachers surrounding you and that you then become a pivotal point to extend your teachings as an educator. Wishing you and those you impact much happiness.Thank you so much for the article and the thought-provoking questions.
My first thought (and not my best thought in this case) is that Pema Chodron and you Susan Piver are my gurus. However, as I re-read the article, I don’t think that is the case. Though I learn so much from listening and reading both your works, it’s not that “our mind becomes one with the mind of the Lama”.
How and where to develop devotion? I believe it is to continue to study the dharma mostly as taught through Pema and Susan and to continue to have a regular siting meditation. As the article mentions, “Such differences do not exist. This is really the secret of meditation.” I think it is to continue to actively participate with OHP, and that overtime maybe a lama will reveal itself to me. I don’t think I can make it happen. I think that’s where the letting go and relaxing will be of benefit.
I am devoted to my daughters, to my grandsons, to my family and to my close friends. I am devoted to my spiritual path by continuing to study the dharma, to practice sitting and to be with fellow travelers (OHP Sangha and my local Shambhala Sangha). I am devoted to the 3 jewels: the Buddha, the dharma and the Sangha. I am devoted to PEACE, kindness and curiosity; to not giving up. I think our world needs love and compassion, and I’d like to be one small part in helping that spread.
Thank you.Hi! My name is Betsy Loeb. I live in Columbus, OH. I have been meditating for about 15 years. I’m part of our local Shambhala Sangha and joined OHP I think at the beginning of the pandemic. I have been retired for 10 years. I have 2 grown daughters and 3 grandsons: Ezra, 9 years and his brother Oliver 6.5 yrs and they live in Philadelphia, PA. My other grandson Sam, 6.5 years lives a few blocks away. I look forward to deepening my practice and potentially teaching if it seems like the right thing to do. I’m eager to meet all of you.
I’ve been thinking of creating an arrangement besides what I already have on my shrine. However, I’ve yet to get inspired to put something together.
I did want to give a “shout out” to the video interview with Kevin Townley. I learned so much regarding the 5 Buddha family energies and the value for me to familiarize myself with these as they may permanate my being and when I feel like I want to destroy them. Thank you, thank you, Kevin, for your brilliance and “simple” way that you gave explanation to these.
Brenda, What a stunning photo of the morning sun! Do you live near this? Do you get to see this often? Thanks for sharing this photo!
Penelope, I must say your room is outstanding! So lovely, peaceful and inviting. Thanks for sharing this photo!
One day this past week we had the biggest, loudest hail storm ever!! (I took photos but don’t know how to upload.) It was brief, but powerful. I link that with Vajra Family…blue, anger (it came down with a vengeance, shiny (mirror-like wisdom) and element of water.
This was a fun exercise to do.Betsy
Dear Jake,
Thank you for your reflections on “exertion”. Beautifully expressed; and has lots of relatability for me. Hope you continue to have your “heart ablaze”!
BetsyHi, Laura
Thank you for your sweet comments. Connectivity is so important to me.
How are you doing with “generosity”?
I must say, it’s not been top of my mind as I’ve been dealing with some undiagnosed pain. However, now upon reflection, the generosities I’ve been receiving has blown my mind. Neighbors who I hardly knew: walking my dog daily for over a week, as example.
“Buckeye” Betsy (though I’m not originally from Columbus, though have lived here 40 yrs!!, so “Buckeye” doesn’t quite fit for me. But brought a smile to my face.Dear Ann,
I just read your response about compassion. And, how difficult it is to have self-compassion especially as you struggle with physical problems. I now can relate very much with this. For the last week I’ve been in lots of pain. The doc seems to think it is aggravated osteoarthritis of the hip. However, with pain meds of Celebrex I’m hardly getting much relief. I certainly need to work on patience as well. He has suggested that it might take a week to feel better and I’ve only started the meds since Monday eve.My focus this past week has been on “generosity”. I’ve noticed it more with little things that I can do or not say…it doesn’t need to be about me. Then I’ve noticed how others are generous with me. Giving and receiving generosity brings such a spark of beauty to my life.
Betsy, Columbus, OH
