“The Practice of Patience (Kshanti)”

    


 Most of you are aware that I am currently recovering from surgery to repair a dislocation of a bone that connects my pinkie finger to a wrist bone. I initially (and mistakenly) thought my pinkie finger was turning the wrong way because of swelling in my hand, but the pinkie continued to look odd after several weeks had passed. There were shooting pains down the side of my hand, too, so I thought there might be something else going on. The dislocation was not detected until I had an MRI in December. Almost 5 months had passed since the dislocation, so the fix required more than putting the bone in place. Scar tissue needed to be cleaned up, and the bone needed two pins to hold it secure in the correct position. I had the surgery done in Arizona since that is where my caregiver, my husband Bob, would be. I knew I would need help since my right hand was affected. The first two weeks after surgery I was in splint. I couldn’t drive, and I had to have the splint covered for showers. Now I have a cast, and my fingers are freer so I can do more.

    With the magic of power steering, I can even drive! During the process of healing after the surgery, I have had to practice patience and mindfulness. From my experience, I realize that we take so much for granted as we go about our day-to-day living. The simple task of getting dressed has required more thought and preparation on my part. I was able to get dressed and undressed on my own after surgery, but I had to stop and think about the sleeves and how to maneuver the splint, and now the cast, into the arm. Pulling up pants requires some contortions and much concentration. Since I can’t get the cast wet, I have figured out how to wash my left hand (mostly), and I discovered the usefulness of wet towelettes for the exposed fingers on my right hand. Learning to eat gracefully using my non-dominant hand has made me slow down and savor my food, although chopsticks are out of the question right now.

    This experience has also highlighted gratitude. I am grateful for Bob who has had to chauffeur me around; prepare meals; help me open bags, jars, bottles, and packages; and be there for support. I’ve been able to stay away from cooking, and I appreciate the variety of prepared meals available in the frozen food section.

    I have had offers of aid while I’ve shopped at the grocery store from people I didn’t even know. I am also grateful for the staff at the surgical center in Arizonawho prepped me for surgery and took care of me in recovery. I appreciate the skill of the surgeon that repaired my hand.

My experience has highlighted the Buddha Dharma for me:

  • Impermanence—Things change, and we have to learn to accept that fact. We have to live with discomfort, but we also know that eventually that discomfort will end.
  • Interdependence—There were many causes and conditions that led to myinjury. Many causes and conditions have been put in place for my healing.We must keep in mind that we don’t succeed or fail all on our own.
  • Nonattachment—We can’t be attached to our customary ways of doing things. We have to be willing to try things in a different way and not get stuck or give up. We can learn and adapt.
  • Gratitude—I am grateful for all the people that are supporting me and helping me to recover and heal.




NAMO AMIDA BUTSU

Rev. Kathy

Location: Ontario, OR 97914, USA

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