Why I Like Leaving (a post for my puzzled sister)
Why do I like leaving? As now I leave beautiful Asheville after 5 ½ years? Because leaving is what allows me to arrive. Thich Nhat Hanh in his Plum Village chant, sings, I have arrived, I am home, in the here and in the now…Holding on, attaching myself to any moment, prevents that arrival. When the ‘moment’ of a place is complete, it’s time for me to leave, and arrive freshly in the next.
I like leaving but it doesn’t mean I don’t sorrow. I cry a lot about my leavings. I empty my grief into my pillow, into poetry, into singing it out in the car. Liking leaving doesn’t mean I have no doubts about what I’m doing. But there is a lightness that suffuses the here and the now. It keeps the sadness from hardening, keeps the sorrow emptying out, keeps me afloat. My sorrow over partings is different from resistance.
In addition to my Buddhist practice, it was through many years in the Alanon rooms that I discovered how resistance-to-change, ie, attachment, holds me back from making departures delightful. I learned that, though it may seem contrary, detachment with love can actually form a bridge. When I let go of my attachment, my hard holding, a spaciousness arises within me that makes a way to cross easily to the place (or person or river or country) I am leaving.
May each of us find our bridges as we continually leave and arrive in our lives.
Such a beautiful description of your processes for this wondrous transition in your life. So very happy for you and glad that I had the chance to experience your infectious smiles and generous personality when I was in Asheville. Would love to come visit you someday in your new home.
Carol Ann
You will be missed. .you have touched me in many ways…your a blessing.
waiting to welcome you…
lila
Blessings on you, my lovely poet sister.
Lovely!