Here's a recent TEDx talk I saw that lists distraction as a powerful antidote to rumination. https://www.ted.com/talks/guy_winch_the_case_for_emotional_hygiene?language=en. Perhaps intentionally choose your distraction--The Donald, listening to music or audiobooks, meditating, learning to play guitar... You, as we all, are of course entitled to dwell if and where and as you wish. We are also each entitled to take a break, to rest, and to enjoy reprieve. Wherever you are in your cycle, we are with you, Jenny, Grace, and Isaiah. You are loved!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts as you journey on. My thoughts and prayers are with you sending you strength to keep up the struggle to get you through this tough time. Blessings on you!

Michael,
Your thoughtful reflections are enriching all of us who are far too busy "living" to appreciate the richness of life. Your words are slowing me down and helping me to be, now. Thank You.

It's ok to let yourself be distracted, Michael. No need to rush the whole enlightenment thing.

This morning, I happened to catch a public television piece on people or family members of people suffering with brain diseases - bi-polar; anorexia; depression and anxiety etc. I had this sudden sense of connectedness with people all over the world who have and are suffering from these diseases, including my wife Julie with Alzheimer's, my grandson with autism, a friend with developmental disabilities - and then it struck me that we are all at one with you too Michael. Your suffering is connected to cancer. But, it is cancer of the brain. We are all at one in this.

Mostly Michael, I wanted you to know that you are already healed. I read your journal entries and I marvel that someone at your age and stage in life can reflect and have such a deeply spiritual experiences with this. No matter what happens, you are already healed. Please know that. You are on the right path my friend. I continue to hold you in God's love and light. Peace.

Thinking of you Michael....going within....the patience of the pause between the music notes....the gaps between train cars....and as David Whyte reminds us...."There is a faith in loving fiercely...."
wishing you rest when you can get it.....

I expect you have some very rough days ahead as the chemo and radiation began the all out battle. I am thinking of you and your family and closest friends. May your courage and their loving support ease the journey!

Thank you Michael. For drawing us in to the interior space - the spaces in between - where we come face to face with transcendant being. You invite and we meet you there. Love and blessings.

Michael, thank you for so generously bringing us along with you on this journey you didn't ask to go on. I'm thinking about you and Jenny and Isaiah and Grace several times every day. I'm still hoping for the best autumn in their whole lives (even though the Cubs didn't make it to the World Series!)

At particularly stressful, unpredictable, overwhelming periods in my life, I think of myself as a little plastic fishing float, red and white, which has gotten loose from any fishing line. I'm bobbing along on a huge, wavy ocean under storm clouds, so everything is gray and silver except for me, bobbing along. The waves tower over me, and sometimes cover me, and I keep resurfacing and bobbing along. It's all out of my control, and rather threatening to boot, and I'm still bobbing along.

I don't know if that image resonates at all with you, and I find it comforting and helpful.

I cannot express how much I appreciate all that you share here in each of these posts, about the inner and outer journey you are on. This is a gift.