Monday, May 18, 2009

From Mary Pipher's "Seeking Peace"

from:
A story of a Buddhist who developed Alzheimer's:

"He retired from teaching because of his unreliable memory. He made one exception; for a reunion of his former students. When he walked onto the stage, he forgot everything, even where he was and why. However, he was a skilled Buddhist and he simply began sharing his feelings with the crowd. He said, "I am anxious. I feel stupid. I feel scared and dumb. I am worried that I am wasting everyone's time. I am fearful. I am embarrassing myself."

After a few minutes of this, he remembered his talk and proceeded without apology. The students were deeply moved, not only by his wise teachings, but also how he handled his feelings."