I learned during cancer that it is important to be mindful of the possibility that these might be the normal good old days. There is no guarantee of relief or a happy outcome. None whatsoever. Paradoxically, through practicing acceptance of this truth, I finally found peace.

Here I am. 8 years. Cancer free and alive and good enough. That’s the roll of my dice. But it could change any day. Not, however, today.

gate gate
pāragate
pārasaṃgate
bodhi svāhā

Many ways to arrive at it, many traditions honor it. Impossible to stay there as a mere mortal. But a life spent practicing it is a life well lived