December 2021

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Plumeria
shedding blossoms
on the grass
teach the beauty
of letting go

 

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Greetings!

Wishing you all Happy Holidays and a very fortuitous, peaceful New Year! As we shed the old for the new, may 2022 bring blessings of contentment, equanimity, good health and joy. 

 Life in Maui continues with moments of connection and sharing within a circle of friendship that keeps widening inclusively. Zen and Tea are wonderful ways of doing this and friends are forever teaching new ways to be present, involved, and actively engaged beyond our community. With times as they are (and always have been) the season invites us to be contemplative, mindfully vigilant as we discover new ways of seeing and accepting others with eyes of kindness and compassion. The phrase “ichigo ichie” (unprecedented, unrepeatable) recurs as a reminder of the fleetingness of each moment.  Thus, let us treasure each other and the bountiful beauty of nature.

May all beings be at peace and happy! diana keishin 

December 2021

I am finally revisiting this blog. It has been quite a journey these past two years with the pandemic restrictions in tow and still about. Yet, in spite of difficulties, loss, and trials, life continues to bless me with good health and surroundings. Moving to Maui in 2019 was a major decision I'm still pondering about. I left the support of many friends in Portland and feared that somehow I'd be alone on this island with this new life I've taken on. But then, I realize that I'm never alone. Even with his death 6 years ago, I still have my husband with me, in my heart where he'll always reside. And of course, making friends on the Aloha island is easy and already I've a community of close friends which support each other.

And, here in Maui, with endless summers, constant trade winds and beautiful scenery of ocean and mountains, I've come to believe I've been offered a slice of heaven.  Though, in reality, if the mind is clear and unhindered, any season or place is a good one. Wherever I am, alive at eight decades and more, with good health during a serious pandemic and strong energy, seems short of a miracle and true blessing.  At the same time, I'm aware of others not as fortunate, grieving for loved ones lost, struggling, confused and drawn into an atmosphere rife with anger, division and hatred.  

And, even in what seems heavenlike, there is sadness. My only living brother who passed away in early 2020 made me an orphan as he joined my parents and other siblings to a shore welcoming the dead. Besides my brother, other dear friends recently passed away, creating more sadness and the need to reach out to loved ones and friends, expressing my love for them. The year of 2020 seems a lost year for many, even dreamlike, as we attempted to keep in touch digitally. For others it produced more creativity in music, painting, writing, poetry, and published works of fiction and nonfiction. 

Before the pandemic, after the publication on Wife, Just Let Go I was encouraged to share my experiences in caregiving for my husband who had Alzheimer's. To those who are struggling with your own caregiving experiences, take heart in knowing that your loved one is still with you and there are still  ways to express the profoundness of your own love. If you've already lost your dear ones, please know that in honoring them in their transitions, you lift your own sorrow. Shifting the focus from yourself to your loved ones, blessing them with ease and peace, blesses you too in your union with each other.

I encourage you to reach out to me if you've any questions. I will be happy to help.

Just now, the tears shed express a profound love rising from your heart to theirs.

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In the summer of 2021, I shared some insights into my practice of Zen and Tea (Chado) with Seattle Watermoon Dojo (One Drop Zendo, Seattle).

Below is a flyer created for that event. Since it has already passed, for those who wish to hear this talk, they can do so at: www.watermoondojo.us

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