Okay so I’ve been reading Tolle and trying to do all of that ‘being in the now’ stuff and I think I have a better handle on things.
In dementia there seems to be an unhappening; today is simply today, this minute, second, moment is just that. Memories are painful and confusing and the future is bleak. Now becomes all-important.
So today I visited my friends in the dementia cottage with a completely different attitude. As an ex-staff member I felt the wonderful freedom of just being a visitor!
I did a whole lot of hugging today.
jmgoyder 
We read that living in the now is important. It is probably more important than ever with Ants and others at the lodge. Very wise my friend, Julie. ❤
Diana xo
I am finding that communicating with people who have dementia is a great way of living in the now – so interesting!
Glad your new status made things easier for you.
Me too!
Oh wow, I love this, Jules. When I was at my worst with Lyme Disease (am pretty much 90% recovered) I felt so helpless and hopeless, until I realized how my THINKING about “the hand that I was dealt” was what was doing me in, more than the actual disease. I also read Tolle’s book, and many many more. I tried to hard to NOT think. To be here now only to discover there’s no switch to stop the thinking. Nothing “I” can do about what arises. BUT, big BUT, I sure as hell can try to retrain my brain to be positive, to entertain a positive attitude. I work on that daily and on some days the results are pretty spectacular. Others, when I’m heaped in shit, well then I have learned that too shall pass.
You mirror so much beauty to this world. Even in your dark times, there’s something so loving and honest that comes across on the page. I love your posts and I love you.
It’s amazing how hard it is to simply stop thinking! I’m so glad you are 90% recovered – that is wonderful Paulette!
Thanks Jules. I don’t know any human being alive that can stop thinking. It’s what our brains do. The Dalai Lama, Tolle, all the new age folk all talk about the thinking happens but what changes is our attachment to it lessens, we become less identified with it and suffering diminishes as a result. Still, thoughts come and with them comes their chemistry, for better or worse.
And for my two cents, when someone tells me a how to do it; or what will work; and I try that and it doesn’t happen, then it ain’t real for moi. Until that happens all bets are off.
You’ve an amazing heart. You’re an extremely insightful woman. You appear to float in and out of the situations of your life embracing all the human emotions and you do it admirably (my humble opinion). Maybe just accepting the hand we’re dealt in any given situation and moving on with the flow of life is as good as it gets. In other words, I don’t know how a human being can not be a human being. Love to you. Paulette
It had to be a lighter, airer, and much more relaxed visit today. I am glad you can do this. Ants is much more important than any old job. There are always time for a job. hugs
And today will be even better!
Absolutely
yes – and i love tolle!
I’m struggling with the concepts a bit because I can’t get my mind to shut up!
Living in the moment can be a tough thing sometimes. It can be so freeing – as you experienced. 🙂
Wish I were better at it!
Good work….or not work….but good anyway.
I bet they could feel the difference in you Julie. 🙂
Today is really just today, If you can stay there, even for a moment, then you will have that moment forever. Hugging is good.
I’d like to add mine to your day {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Ohh, nice!
good for them and good for you! big warm {{{{{hugs}}}} to you my friend:)