Heavenly Messengers

The fog has been lingering over Santa Monica. As I drive back from the east side on the Santa Monica Freeway, I can see the marine layer rolling in, settling right around the 405. It barely burns off by afternoon, leaving the air chilly. So, during these past couple of weeks of kitty-sitting, I’ve only managed to get out on my bike twice. Much as I love the fog, it gave me the perfect excuse to stay inside and tackle some admin work.

Spending time in the city this round, I kept things low-key, reconnecting with a few familiar places and people, savoring quiet moments. Meeting up with friends I haven’t seen in ages brought a sharp awareness of time passing. I’m in my 60s now, and many of my friends are in their 70s, 80s, even 90s. Some are facing serious health challenges, and others are grappling with the aftereffects of disasters, like my friends in North Carolina, still reeling from the hurricane. I feel the weight of life more acutely these days.

Buddha, born a prince and sheltered from life’s suffering, was deeply shaken when he first encountered aging, sickness, and death — these “Heavenly Messengers” set him on his journey to seek freedom from suffering. The fourth messenger, a sage, showed him that freedom was indeed possible.

I, too, began meditating when I learned my father was terminally ill. I had to find a way to sit with my emotions, to allow them room to breathe. Over 25 years later, I’m still discovering layers I didn’t know existed. Enlightenment may not be on my horizon, but I’m definitely on a path, feeling guided each step of the way.

As I navigate my own aging, and watch friends and family do the same, I’m grateful for these “Heavenly Messengers” that continue to steer me toward deeper spiritual inquiry. I feel blessed to live in a time when the resources for soul-searching, like the Dharma, are so abundant and accessible. May all being be free from suffering.