Last week I attended a memorial service honoring Thich Nhat Hanh, who has left his physical body. While I never met him personally, I came to know him through stories related to me. In addition to his love and compassion, what stood out for me was his understanding of human frailty. It was a beautiful service, and I was engulfed in love.
Shortly after the service, I reached over and instinctively touched a black mole that had been on the side of my face for several years. It came right off in my hands. At that moment, I knew that I was so immersed in love – perhaps even channeling Thich – that healing manifested in physical form. While Thich Nhat Hanh is no longer in his physical body, he is still present in you, in me, and in everyone and everything that is love.
This brought to mind an experience I had with my beloved Cat Frankie, where love also manifested in physical form. I can still remember holding him in my arms and feeling the life leave his body. Once his body lay limp, I knew he was no longer physically present. I cried out, and almost instantaneously, I felt his body warm and stir. Frankie’s spirit was back in his body. The strength of our love had carried Frankie back into physicality. At that moment, there was nothing more powerful.
People often limit their concept of healing to what they can observe with their eyes. I have learned to expand my understanding of healing. Healing can arise emotionally and spiritually, in addition to physically. I have experienced beautiful instances of healing and letting go during times of physical loss. These moments can free us up to feel and express our love.
Healing and death are intricate matters. All physical bodies are impermanent by design and will cease to exist at some point. At the same time, there are possibilities for healing that arise beyond what our rational minds can comprehend. I think of these as everyday miracles. Love can be a strong catalyst for these miracles.
I thought what you wrote was beautiful Jill. The love you had for Frankie was mirrored 80 fold w/the love he gave to you. My beloved Fluf Fluf meant everything to me and then more. He gave me unconditional love like I have never had. The love I showed my beautiful boy was something I have never given to anyone else whether a human or pet. How I miss him so very much. If only I was near the door that was left open and had known he ran out and was out for 8hts before I knew this. My heart is broken in so many ways. Fluf Fluf did not deserve to get lost. I take full responsibility for this happening. I pray my special boy can see it in his heart that I am sorry. God Bless his loving soul.
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your love for Fluf Fluf, Susan. My sense is that Fluf Fluf’s unconditional love for you includes an understanding of your humanity and imperfection. Please be gentle with yourself. Perhaps another gift he can give you is that of self-forgiveness.