How many times do I sit with my phone in the morning reading your compositions having deeply felt humility, gratitude and tears in my eyes. So moving, so uplifting that I wish everyone could read them and experience in each moment just how beloved each Soul is and just how exquisitely precious this Life is. Thank you for your talents and gifts and using them to uplift humanity.
I came here, after reading your essay in my inbox just now, to say something along the lines of what Brenda said above, but she said it so well that all that's left for me to do is reinforce it by agreeing completely. There is more wisdom and value in your posts than in anything else I read anywhere and I am grateful to have found your Substack.
My kids have no remembrance of me or the joy they brought into my life. I was a stay at home Mom. Not realized until 12 years of my marriage was my 1st born, and 17 years until my second. Born upon the seeds and watering of the mustard seeds of faith that wavered as each year passed with seeing the fruit of my prayers. 26 years later and neither of my adult kids have any stored up joy left in there hearts for me. My seasons of life post divorce didn’t generate freedom. Possibly from a controllling spouse but not from those wounds that bound. I can’t express the pain from that separation . I suffer from depression migraine isolation and loneliness. I wish them joy and happiness. And struggle with internal anger. The bad outweighed all the good. It’s a hard reality to admit my mistakes caused the severing of the greatest of all gifts I received from God. Life is fleeting and in 20 years I will be but a vague memory.
Carol, I am so sorry to read your testimony. In the face of such suffering, anything I can write seems meaningless and insufficient.
Yet, I don't believe the bad outweighed the good. Every loving thought and action is never lost. It becomes part of who we are and who your children are. I wish for you and them the joy of reconciliation. And in the meantime, I wish for you peace and opportunities to share the best in you.
This essay, as many of yours do, hit me right in the heart! Deeply insightful, thoughtfully written, it is so relative. Thankyou, Barry ...and especially for your beautiful family picture...then...and now...how quickly it goes! Glad you captured the moments and didn't forfeit "being present".
Thank you for the kind note, and love to you, too, Jacqueline.
That's a good way to out it--you can capture the moment and not forfeit presence. We're not looking to do "presence" perfectly, but just to pivot in its direction. Of course, we don't do "presence," we allow presence.
Wow Prof Brownstein. How generous of you to share these precious and beautiful times with your family.
My understanding of "ichi-go ichi-e" is that it comes from Zen Buddhism. I first came across this concept in the 1990s when reading a book on the Japanese tea ceremony.
Thank you for the reminder to be more present to my precious family and to myself today.
Hello Barry
Thank you for a unique experience: a beautiful piece and a wonderful peek into your family.
Love ... John
John, Nice to connect with you on that level, my friend.
How many times do I sit with my phone in the morning reading your compositions having deeply felt humility, gratitude and tears in my eyes. So moving, so uplifting that I wish everyone could read them and experience in each moment just how beloved each Soul is and just how exquisitely precious this Life is. Thank you for your talents and gifts and using them to uplift humanity.
Thank you, Brenda. Reading your kind note deeply moved me. It's an honor to know my words have an impact.
I came here, after reading your essay in my inbox just now, to say something along the lines of what Brenda said above, but she said it so well that all that's left for me to do is reinforce it by agreeing completely. There is more wisdom and value in your posts than in anything else I read anywhere and I am grateful to have found your Substack.
Wow. What more can a writer dream of reading? I'm honored, moved, and inspired. Thank you!
My kids have no remembrance of me or the joy they brought into my life. I was a stay at home Mom. Not realized until 12 years of my marriage was my 1st born, and 17 years until my second. Born upon the seeds and watering of the mustard seeds of faith that wavered as each year passed with seeing the fruit of my prayers. 26 years later and neither of my adult kids have any stored up joy left in there hearts for me. My seasons of life post divorce didn’t generate freedom. Possibly from a controllling spouse but not from those wounds that bound. I can’t express the pain from that separation . I suffer from depression migraine isolation and loneliness. I wish them joy and happiness. And struggle with internal anger. The bad outweighed all the good. It’s a hard reality to admit my mistakes caused the severing of the greatest of all gifts I received from God. Life is fleeting and in 20 years I will be but a vague memory.
Carol, I am so sorry to read your testimony. In the face of such suffering, anything I can write seems meaningless and insufficient.
Yet, I don't believe the bad outweighed the good. Every loving thought and action is never lost. It becomes part of who we are and who your children are. I wish for you and them the joy of reconciliation. And in the meantime, I wish for you peace and opportunities to share the best in you.
Hi Barry,
This essay, as many of yours do, hit me right in the heart! Deeply insightful, thoughtfully written, it is so relative. Thankyou, Barry ...and especially for your beautiful family picture...then...and now...how quickly it goes! Glad you captured the moments and didn't forfeit "being present".
Love, Jacqueline
Thank you for the kind note, and love to you, too, Jacqueline.
That's a good way to out it--you can capture the moment and not forfeit presence. We're not looking to do "presence" perfectly, but just to pivot in its direction. Of course, we don't do "presence," we allow presence.
Wow Prof Brownstein. How generous of you to share these precious and beautiful times with your family.
My understanding of "ichi-go ichi-e" is that it comes from Zen Buddhism. I first came across this concept in the 1990s when reading a book on the Japanese tea ceremony.
Thank you for the reminder to be more present to my precious family and to myself today.
In gratitude
Thank you, Kylee. Enjoy your precious time with your family.