Last night, I called my dear nephew to share something
meaningful: I’ve been invited to speak in a documentary about my teacher, Thich
Nhat Hanh, and how mindfulness has helped transform the suffering of addiction.
“Our story will be shared,” I told him. “And with it, the
stories of so many families who’ve struggled and been helped. It’s very hopeful.”
Throughout our conversation, he kept thanking me—again and again, in different ways. He was deeply touched. But the truth is, his suffering has shaped some of my deepest realizations. It’s become the foundation of the most meaningful work I do in my community. Where does he end and I begin?
There is no clear line. There is no beginning or end.
After our talk, I realized two things. First, despite
everything he’s been through, his heart remains whole and good. Unconquerable.
I see this in so many people in the recovery space—authentic, hard-won wisdom;
it’s what endears me to this population.
Second, the importance of being seen. I know it
sounds like a cliché, but it’s true—we need to be seen to
be understood. Suffering and joy must be fully seen to be comprehended. There is light inside everyone, every situation. When we consciously
see it and speak to it, the light grows inside and around us. Seeing and being
fully present is when healing begins. Let’s commit to being there for those we
love, speaking to the light inside everything, no matter the situation.
I write this at 2:28 a.m., awakened by the full moon of July
10, casting a soft glow across the garden outside my window.
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