Insights for Which I Am Grateful

I have been living with ALS for over ten years. In that time we have become close friends. I no longer consider this disease to be a life robbing, horrible thing, but a life enhancing experience. I am grateful for the new perspectives I have been given. This is not just knowledge that I understand and accept intellectually. These are truths that have become part of my being. I now understand and enjoy my existence more than I thought possible, ALS or not.

 We live within a universe that is all one. Everything and everyone is interdependent, made by and from one single source. I feel connected and therefore kinship with all other people on this planet. I am grateful for the ability to truly understand and be a part of the interdependent nature of our Universe.

 Because of the kinship I share with all other people, I cultivate compassion and not blame for others and their circumstances. I am grateful for the empathy I experience toward all daughters and sons of God.

I have found a way to help ease the suffering of others through the sale of my art. I am grateful to have been shown a purpose for my life. A purpose that feels much more meaningful than my previous self serving goals.

I have ample time for prayer and meditation. I have time to focus on the meaning of this life, the suffering of others, the true nature of reality, and time to commune with God. I am grateful for the timeless inner peace I experience.

 I have a physical form that from the outside appears distorted and grotesque. I can't speak audibly, and I drool. I am grateful that I have been placed in circumstances to counteract my large ego (my biggest spiritual stumbling block).

 I am nearly always present in the moment. This makes me a better listener and keeps me from mourning the past or dreading the future. To truly live life we must experience the present moment without coloring it through thoughts of the past or future. I am grateful for being shown the joy of living in the NOW.

 Despite complete paralysis from the neck down, and requiring others to do everything for me (except work on the computer). I still retain my dignity. No one can take that away. I am grateful that I have been made to understand that I am not my body or my thoughts. I am the silent space from which all is created.

 I am most grateful for my loving wife Jen who has enthusiastically agreed to take this journey with me, and has never faltered in her love or companionship as we travel this path together.