Coming home, or, at peace with myself, was how I felt this morning as I walked with Tanya among the green and lush fields on the banks of the River Barrow, New Ross just west of Wexford, Ireland. Last night Mrs Sat Nav, guided Rapido3 plus incumbents to a remembered and 'stored as favorites' wild camping spot here on this tiny road next to an old and abandoned farmhouse. The loudest sound heard is gentle munching of cows chewing the cud plus chirping of swallows in delighted insect catching erratic flight.
This was a feeling of wellbeing not experienced for some time as this last year of my life has had its share of what Pema Khandro Rinpoche calls 'dukkha' , or pervasive unsatisfactoriness. As I slowly and leisurely walked with Tanya such feelings evaporated as the green ferns along the bottom of the hedgerow waved gently in the morning breeze and wafted all 'dukkha' aside.
'Chang chub sem', in Tibet is translated as; "mind of enlightenment held by an awakened mind warrior.” This morning felt as though my “awakened mind warrior.” had returned after a long absence of holding tightly onto the 'at peace' or, 'at home' part of my mind while other active, cancer fighting mind and body tasks demanded priority.
Such mind and body priorities are still required as I am not completely there yet. How beautiful though, to have such a friend / warrior return to assist and support me on my ongoing recovery journey. Maybe I'm now 'ready enough'. To explain that I'll take licence and quote again from 'Pema Khandro Rinpoche' (Dec 2017)
'The message of Yeshe Tsogya's extreme circumstances is this: when enlightened intent is relentless and unwavering, then, the profound basis of mind reveals itself to us in all its radiant glory; even though we are sometimes good self, sometimes bad self, and at still other times confused and suffering with our own problems".
You’re Ready Enough.
Believe it.
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A couple of days on now and such a pleasant experience / contemplation has reinforced my onward, more normal journey.
Wales & a visit to my Stepdaughter & family in their beautiful family home which is slowly and surely emerging from the dark, damp, and neglected old pub they bravely purchased and are now restoring. My visit was enhanced as my step son and his daughter also visited but also by this year's warm dry weather, not something Tally, Carmarthenshire, is renowned for.
Onward via Ferry to Ireland and yesterday's camping stop at 'Crosshaven Fort' overlooking Cork's magnificent natural deep water harbour. Yesterday was also my first E bike expodition with Tanya to explore Cork City. I have to say it all worked well. We used railway /cycle paths almost to Cork City centre and back again. Along the way I spotted last nights very pleasant camping spot by the river, the new sports stadium, and a lovely park where on our walk this morning we were entertained by a lively Otter.
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"Can't camp here tonight" intoned the Killearney Country Park ranger as he informed me I was now banished from one of my favorite overnight spots. He said there was a new sign saying 'no overnight camping' and; "look there's the post hole where it should be".
I never question such actions, especially when I realise said Ranger suspects me of nicking his new sign. I just agree and move on. I do not want to be anywhere where I'm seen as a problem.
As very often is the case come such rare moving on incidents, an alternative spot had been noted earlier in the day. I call it providence; a problem solved before a problem exists. Twenty minutes later we were snug in our little forest meadow out of sight from everyone.
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CRUNCH .... BANG!! Right outside 'Beach Box' the holiday shop and launderette my son and wife run in Castlegregory, County Kerry. I'd only arrived five minutes earlier to meet n greet them but then found myself directing /controlling the traffic as the Italian tourists hire car was extricated from its embedded position in the side of my sons car. Half an hour of mayhem ensued on the narrow but busy road before some normality resumed plus two very disgruntled people glued to mobile phones connected firmly to hire car and insurance companies. My sons car suffered surprisingly little damage whereas poor Italian tourist plus wife/partner had to bus it back to their lodgings in Tralee. I don't think they were too happy with their car hire company.
After all the excitement I am now settled in at my sons home and looking forward to helping out where I can over the next few weeks of busy holiday trade. I have a suspicion my role could well involve spending lots of time looking after one lively five year old grandson Kaden. A real test for my post surgery recovery and recuperation eh!
Wish me luck....
