Euseppi Mind Body

Hope as a practice: "Active hope is a practice. Like T’ai Chi or gardening, it is something we do rather than have. It is a process we can apply to any situation, and it involves three key steps. First, we take a clear view of reality; second, we identify what we hope for in terms of the direction we’d like things to move in or the values we’d like to see expressed; and third, we take steps to move ourselves or our situation in that direction. Since active hope doesn’t require our optimism, we can apply it even in areas where we feel hopeless. The guiding impetus is intention; we choose what we aim to bring about, act for, or express. Rather than weighing our chances and proceeding only when we feel hopeful, we focus on our intention and let it be our guide.” – Joanna Macy.

“The grief comes in waves” as I approach Jonathan Euseppi’s death day this was a helpful refrain.

The waves these after their death well I was just drowning, part of why I had to move out to the country I think, change everything, get new perspective, go where it was quiet in some way because the pain was so sharp inside all the time.

Now after my active cancer treatment and recovery, they are maybe 80-50 foot waves and yet this death day is different because of my cancer journey and my age. I am 48 turning 49 in March, at 49 my father was dead on December 10th. There is just so much here on board this year. I intimately know because of the loss of my father and Jonathan I can’t take life for granted, daily my stakes seem higher in a way and there is a deep grief that I walk these steps without their physical presence. They were both giants of love,humor and wit. Both were just incredibly strong and both stood on solidly in their integrity and character which for both of them but particularly Jonathan in our time that is so decisive and would harm them for what they were it took massive courage.

No one can ever replace them, it’s a hole never filled, I am grateful I got to experience both of their souls to intimately and called them father and brother. Like this article, I don’t want grief to go away and I no longer need to silence it, nor do I fear the next person who I love or the loss of my life when it comes. I am just glad I get to have this time to be human and share with you.

This is the Best Response I’ve ever Heard about How to Process Grief. | elephant journal I wish I could say you get used to people dying. And if the scar is deep, so was the love. So b

https://www.euseppimindbody.com/post/catching-up-after-cancer

Touching base after a bit of a life marathon, we all have them even therapists and healers like me.