I enter into the House of Wholeness in poetry, in attending to the world around me, in attending to the needs of my body, in the stillness of breath and, like you, in listening to the questions.

I’ve always written for myself because I had to. I want now to write for the world, for the healing beyond myself, but get bogged down feeling inadequate. You have reminded me just how irrelevant a feeling that is.

I so like what you write about becoming overwhelmed with fear and helplessness, then becoming “part of the fear, chaos and confusion around me”. You question about entering the house of wholeness is one that I am maybe just beginning to explore now in my middle age. I think the answer is one that has been just beyond my reach most of my life and maybe for just that reason. I have allowed myself or perhaps knew no better than to give in to the helplessness and fear.

Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing that gives shape to all that so many of us are feeling and the struggle to be responsible for entering the house. I am reading writing like your’s, finding a community of like-minded people online, walking, meditating, looking outwards and inwards, sharing, reaching out instead of curling up, being kind to myself and others, forgiving myself and others.

I realize I want to know that I’m giving at least as much as I’m taking. Thanks so much for your magical story, Hiro. It is all connected. xo

What I hear you say is that taking in all that pain only hurts me, and that I can be a witness to it, but caring for myself is one of the most profound ways I can care for the House of Wholeness.

As I search for my own House of Wholeness that is behind my numbness, I am reminded of the reason I sometimes am devoid of feelings. And of the importance of trusting the sometimes rocky process that will reopen them one day.

Thanks for you post. It was just what I needed today.
Lynn

I write to you as a survivor of the tsunami, and as someone who has been touched by your post for many reasons, but for two especially.

As a survivor, I absolutely cringe when the word “tsunami” is used in any other context than what the true meaning is, yet I am drawn to any reference I come across. It is almost a silent test that I and taking of a person’s character, for I don’t believe people have the right to use it in a flippant manner. You have not, and I thank you for that.

The other reason is that I was stopped in my tracks when I read your statement:

“Why this story? Why now, so many years later?”

That statement landed right in my gut because that is how I have felt for a long time. It took me 4 years to even begin to be able to tell my story, and I wondered – and still wonder – why now? Is is still relevant? Do people still care? Now I know they do, so thank you for that.

I will not blather on any more. If you have interest, I have blogged a bit on my experience if for no other reason than to help me get it out. To help me put it on paper so I know if was real. If you care to read it, you can find it here. http://afterthewaves.wordpress.com/.

Thank you for not forgetting.

Tonight I will say prayers for the victime of the Tsunami and oil spill.

May your House of Wholeness continue to nourish and comfort you.

Thank you Hiro.