Opening to what is here. According to Jeff Warren in the Calm meditation app, equanimity is the existential orientation of opening to what is here. In short, it is what it is.

Call the Midwife

Sister Hilda says “I am excited to see what happens next.” The new mother superior chastizes her for looking to the future and tells her to accept what comes next. I wish I could remember what episode that was as it was phrased much better.

We don’t know what the next moment in our life holds. What is important, is that we appreciate the present moments we have, and enjoy them for what they are.

Not to say you can’t look forward to events. For example, I am sitting enjoying watching Dave and Thomas building the pond and looking forward to the Stapley family arriving. I have deep gratitude for both events. If for some reason the pond doesn’t get finished or the dog pees in it, or Rex throws soil in it, I’ll be fine. That’s equanimity to me.

Google search

Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

“she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity“

Who hasn’t come across doggie poop bags on the trail? Often you will see them in the bushes on the trail side where they have been left for pick up on the way back down and then forgotten. Often they are on the start of the trail in a big pile next to a garbage can! Why not take the extra step to put the bag of poop in the can? Is this about an entitlement mentality or is it something more? Outside podcast has an episode that talks about this issue as it applied to Aspen, Colorado. Listen to the episode and tell me what you think.

The worst is poop on the trail.

Even worse is dog poop on the ski hill.

Is the problem entitlement? The “I pay for a discover  pass so someone else can deal with it” mentality? However, according to the article it is human waste that is becoming a big issue as more people recreate. Think backpacking and those fancy outdoor trips, what then? The old way was to dig a hole away from a water source. Or the poop on a rock strategy. It sounds like this is no longer ecologically or aesthetically sound practice.

What is the solution? Sometimes it it happens and we get caught short on the trail. I have!! Yuk, I know!

Wag bags are the solution according g to the article. Look them up. They are portable toilets. Used by big rafting and hiking groups. I plan on buying a bunch for these for emergencies.

I am entitled to a disabled parking spot, I am not entitled to poop where I want.

Not great news this time. The tumor is growing. We will continue avastin treatment as this is stopping the swelling. However, I should expect to experience an increase in confusion and left side neglect. I will need more and more help as it continues to grow.

Moving forward

I plan to continue enjoying the time I have with all the people I love. I am going to read my wonderful book of letters to remind myself how lucky I am.