and just like that everything is changed

Life isn't here to make you happy; it's here to help you awaken." -Eckhart Tolle

I haven't written to you in a few weeks.  On July 28th my 85 year old mother fell in her kitchen, landed on her back, and did some damage to her spine.  Miracle it wasn't worse.

In one moment she went from independent and able to care for herself, to fully dependent on others. I am still in a bit of shock, sadness, anger, and overall overwhelm. Some of you know what I am talking about.

I am sharing this because my practices (meditation, energy clearing, prayer, movement, writing, allowing emotions, speaking my voice, etc.) have been the foundation beneath my feet during this time. I have been able to navigate emotions, people, and a tremendous amount of logistics like insurance, aides, doctors, and a very inefficient and cumbersome "health care" system. Without my practices I would not have been able to do it. I wouldn't want to do it. Truth.

In 2004 when my father passed unexpectedly, it was another moment that changed everything just like that. The difference? Back then I didn't have these tools in place except for a beginning meditation practice. As a result of not having the tools in place, my life did spin out of control as I share in my book, Reclaiming Joy.

What amazes me now is that once again, this experience is helping me awaken in a deeper way, at this phase of my life. 

Why does suffering often lead to awakening and re-awakening?

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