Silence

I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.

I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.

All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.*

My father-in-law has just passed and I will be traveling for the funeral so please excuse this brief pause of silence.



*Thich Nhat Hanh, The Plum Village Chanting Book