Dear Friends and family,

The last several weeks have been glorious and also very strenuous. This is the process of healing that calls for determination in strengthening the quads, calves, hips, and ankles. Balance work is also important, and there are many exercises, rhythmic routines that work the frame, mind, and heart. 

Balance calls for the mind/heart to trust the injured ankle and to insist that it stretch, bend and catch one in the act of falling. Trust is the key word of this past month that this process will lead to success in a full return to activity.

Surprisingly, after the Physical Therapy workout, sleep is required, daytime sleep of two to three hours. The Surgeon and medical folks assure me this is normal as the body restores itself and continues to bring healing to the broken bones. Having never broken a bone before, it is surprising to experience the length of recovery. Once walking I fully expected this is it; ah, ah, but much much time and effort is needed to maintain the walk and to secure the ground of healing. The ground gained through much effort cannot be abandoned, but there must be sustained effort, time and time again. Daily practice is required. Sound familiar?

With your support and gracious care, I can enter into the seven-day April sesshin. This is both frightening and liberating. With much enthusiasm, the week begins today, Saturday, and I enter the practice with gratitude. Daily exercises will continue to sustain healing during the week but how can one miss surrounded by Sangha, daily meetings with our teacher, food filled with love and time for just sitting.

With much love and gratitude,

Louise