FREE

     Back in June 2012 I became aware that I had a pretty stiff case of prostate cancer. We did some really strong treatment, and by January 2013 the cancer was gone. This experience really woke me up, opened my heart, filled me with gratitude for the gift of life. Tests every six months show no presence of cancer. The test a few days ago show I'm cancer-free still. It's important now to move from the idea of being free of cancer, to the experience of being fully alive, healing into wholeness everyday.  
     You fight to be free of fear, free of suffering. You might put a lot of energy and ingenuity into avoiding pain, sadness, embarrassment, shame. But you know, these things come and go.
There is always some loss, always some upset when things don't go your way, when your plan does't turn out. The big transformation comes when you embrace all of life, feeling all of it deep down into the core of your bones. When you get beyond winning and losing. When you can taste the vulnerable balance point between the gift of life and the inevitability of your death, and just feel lit up, illuminated, and fully connected to being here now, part of everything, really at home in this mystery. You can admit how much you love it, and feel your love for everyone, and feel how much love and support there is for you. Even if you don't come through a life or death challenge, if you are here now it is because of the support of all of life, and your steadfast connection to this amazing universe.