THE BUDDHIST CARER

Retreat is over No longer a retreatant. I'm feeling tender. Higher consciousness - Without even leaving home - For just a few days. Back...

Buying ready meals At the self-service checkout Oh hello, stranger. Not much I can do (to help) But I have always liked you He says,...

Peripheral view Looking from the outside in Sitting on the edge. Real life, in person, Is what other people do. It's passing me by. I'll...

Saw a little boy He reminded me of you. Mindful mum moment.

I was mistaken As it wasn't Manjushri Who appeared just now. But it was the blue, The energy and wisdom, Of Vajrapani. Whose image points...

I don't do it oft' Although I know how it helps My Buddhist practice. It's there on retreat, An integral aspect that I willingly do. If...

I have a new friend Oh beautiful Mamaki who appreciates. She who takes delight in everyone, everything. Seeing through all things. Image...

It takes me a while To settle into retreats. Day three - I'm present. Thinking drops away Labels, concepts, ideas fade State of...

A moment in time Captured on airmail paper. Handwritten letter Eloquent, flowing Energetic, empathic Very much alive. Twenty-six years on...

He's in the shower Real cause for celebration! As it's been a while. Sounds of joy, pleasure, While water pours down on him. Simple...

He loves a biscuit A digestive? Oh, yes please. But there's a dark side... Be safe while I'm out! Despite reassurances He's caught in the...

It doesn't take much A free doughnut, some jewellery As symbols of love. Recognising me As someone in need of love True acts of kindness....

Tired, exhausted Weary, fatigued, drained, done in. All of the above.

I'm worried, he says About leaving him alone And who's that? I ask. This little boy here Nine years old. But what's his name? There we...

Woken up at dawn Dog with sickness & diarrhoea Then a flooded floor. Tricky work meeting Flying visit from plumber Two loos in two days....

Sitting and waiting He said he'd come late morning Hey ho, sit and wait. Nothing else to do So just sitting and waiting For my brand new...

I can live with pain Most of the time, but aches Go so much deeper. Menopausal aches Aches from heaving and lifting Existential aches....

May the sun shine bright After the earlier storms. Peace, warmth and comfort. Like night follows day Things change, moment to moment....

Good evening, he says, To the woman who's not there. Hallucination? The mind playing tricks. D'ya want a glass of water? She gives no reply.

Contemplating here - A dose of reality. Turning towards death. A local dog walk Through sacred burial grounds Impermanence pure!...