Zen Practice With Physical Illness or Disability

[Hisoka]

Hi everyone - I haven't been around on here for a long time, though I have been able to train two days a month with a Soto Zen group about 50 mins drive away as well as at home. However I too am struggling with mobility issues caused by spinal stenosis and a "new" knee, started wearing hearing aids about 2 years ago and am also getting cataracts in both eyes. I find the whole ageing thing troublesome - it incorporates so many gradual (and not so gradual) losses. I know and accept that
I am of the nature to be deceased.
I am of the nature to die.
I am of the nature to decay.
All that is mine, beloved and pleasing, will change and vanish.
but knowing it and living the reality of it are two different things.
Anyway, I'm so glad I came on here today and read this thread and have already ordered the Susan Moon and the Lewis Richmond books.

In gassho.

[Kokuu]

Hi Hisoka!

Lovely to see you here and thank you for commenting. I often note myself that impermanence sounds a lot easier than it actually is!

Do let me know if you have anything to add that you feel might help you or others in practice. Do you find it okay to sit in traditional postures? I am happy that you are well enough to sit with a local group. That is a very lovely thing.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Shokai]

Originally posted by Hisoka

but knowing it and living the reality of it are two different things.

Ain't it the truth but, I've found it so refreshing as the dance changes from moment to moment

gassho, Shokai

sat/LAH