A New Day

Today, I started a new training course, “Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy.” It is a program that combines 3 elements (Buddhism, Environmental issue, and Chaplaincy) that are important for me. Chaplaincy is something I’ve been interested for some time because I have missed the opportunities to be present for my family members as they transitioned, especially my father. As my mother is still holding on, it is my sincere hope that I will get to be with her when she passes, but current pandemic situation provides little comfort of knowing that can happen.

My teacher, Gil Fronsdal, defined “chaplaincy” as “spiritual care” for someone/something in distress. It is my hope that I will find a way to be a steward to care for the environment as well as being who are experiencing suffering because of the environmental issues. While as many of my cohort shared, I don’t know how it will look like. It certainly complements what I have been doing professionally with my green real estate. And I’m feeling a sense of curiosity and excitement for this new adventure.

On the day a new President and Vice President were sworn in, I see today to be a new day, a new chapter, and a new journey — personally as well as collectively. I am indeed looking forward to being a Buddhist Eco-Chaplain in however way it may unfold.

#YouCanSitWithMe