This will be a more personal reflection than previous postings but related, I believe, to a larger process, at least metaphorically, that we all share in.
The other day I had a Stress Test to check out my heart since I did undergo angioplasty fifteen years ago and have a family history of heart disease. I hadn’t done such a test for over three years in spite of these obvious risk factors, partly because I’ve kept quite fit through running and partly because my blood tests – cholesterol, etc. – have always been good. I was very confident, therefore – as was the cardiologist – that the test result would be as before, so we joked as I strode the treadmill about how long it would take to push my heart rate to maximum. This goal was actually achieved with relative ease, adding to the optimism I felt. However during the so-called recovery period, the EKG showed abnormal readings which suggested to my suddenly disappointed cardiologist that I should have an angiogram and probable angioplasty this coming Tuesday.
I realize that this is a very common procedure these days and that the technology has even developed a lot since I last had it. However I still feel a little apprehensive at how suddenly things can change and how little control over the important things we actually have. At the same time I feel more gratitude than anxiety at the discovery of the problem because it offers the opportunity to open up the flow in my heart and metaphorically the flow in my life.
There have been a lot of positive and encouraging responses to my recent blog postings on a new cosmology which suggests the need for a new (more comprehensive) spirituality and a new priesthood to serve this. This health challenge is like a response to my Blog from the universe encouraging me to open up my heart a little more: to be the change I want to see, in fact, as Gandhi put it. I was reminded of this the following day when I dipped into some literature belonging to my wife Ann who is a therapist that echoes a similar principle: in this case, it is the therapist who has to be and do what she wants her patient to be and do (Dan Siegel: The Mindful Therapist): to be more present and more resonant with the patient; to be more responsive than reactive which, unfortunately, is the normal way we relate to others, especially when there is a blockage in a relationship and the flow between us is compromised.
Our world could benefit from opening up its heart which, as a major organ of perception and cognition, can be exceptionally accurate and detailed in its information gathering capacities, and therefore critical to our health and our future. A new cosmology suggests that we need to relate differently to the world we live in and share with others. A new spirituality is about learning to be more present and resonant with each other, more responsive than reactive to the things we encounter. But for that to happen blockages have to be removed, including the most pervasive blockage which, in our modern culture, is the illusion of control, and the fears (particularly around mortality) that are at the root of the illusion. The opening of our world has to begin with each of us. Hafiz, a fourteenth century Persian poet, reflects the spirit of this opening:
How
Did the rose
Ever open its heart
And give to this world
All its
Beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light
Against its
Being.
Otherwise
We all remain
Too
Frightened.
I’m being given a special opportunity this week to be the priest of this new cosmology and spirituality. I invite you to join me in the process – with a little moral support and prayerful energy if you like. I’ll keep you posted.
You have my support and prayers, dearest Danny. Yours is one of the finest, purest hearts I have ever known. I’ll envision with you the open flowing and full healing, at every level.
Dear Danny
I truly belive you have more love and goodness flowing thriugh your veins and arteries
than most men on the planet, so make sure the doctor creates some extra space.
We”ll all be praying for you Tuesday!
I wish you could run a clinic for the clergy who are so dogmatic in their approach to birth control, insisting that rhythm and abstinence is the only answer. Seems to me that responsible parenthood should be a moral imperative in any new cosmology.
May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hands.
Danny, You will be in our prayers this week. That great heart of yours is essential to God’s unfolding plan for a new cosmology. With love and affirmation of our ongoing friendship. Joyce and Skip
Danny, You always taught me that the human heart needs to be heard. Yours needs to be heard in a somewhat different way right now. I hope you feel the encouragement of all the light that surrounds you, like the rose mentioned above, as you have opened your heart and led the way for so so many, as you will continue to do. Sending you much love. Judy Forman
Danny,
The last full moon on February 7th was in Leo. Leo is the sign of the zodiac governed by the heart. The influence of this moon bodes well for your surgery, Danny, as it is an optimal moment to do “heart work”, both literal and figurative. May we all take time to tune into and follow the guidance of our hearts. May your surgery be easy and the recovery swift. Sending heartfelt prayers to you, Danny!
God keep you safe and speed you through recovery. We need your voice.
May you receive all the healing light you need to be fearless and healthy, so that your ministry in this new cosmology will have an even greater impact. You will be in my prayers. I loved the poem and the reminders of how important opening our heart is at this time. Looking forward to your next blog!
May Peace Prevail on Earth, Monica
Danny
Thank you for sharing this – and trust that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I’ll let others know so they will be thinking of you and praying for your complete healing and recovery. Keep up your heart!
Gerie
Dear Danny and Anne,
I find it impossible to say something pithy.But I feel at the brink of tears.
We love you both and feel very deeply that you will be in good hands and in good stead through this. We will send you all the good wishes and prayers on Tuesday..
We love you, Diana and Bart
Danny,
May the Great Spirit watch over you this week.
Peter
Dear Danny,
we’ll be thinking and praying for you next week!
Caren
Danny,
My thoughts, prayers, and gratitudes are very much with you, in more ways than you can imagine. I am appreciating your spirit as I too feel the call to deepen in my commitment to supporting conscious evolution and to embodying spirit in this amazing work that we have both been called to do. And in the relatively short time that we have known one another, I have learned so much from who you are and what you do. You model so beautifully the “being and becoming” we both talk about.
Let’s talk soon.
Curtis
Dear Danny,
As you know I had a successful quadruple bypass operation two years ago and still stand in awe and amazement of the skills of modern medicine, which will do miracles also on your condition.
I join with all your friends in solemn prayers to the most high for your speedy recovery.
Hans
Dearest Heart, what a blessing it is that you thought to test yourself in time to avoid what could be for us all a ‘heart-wrending’. All love and strong healing return to you as you have given us. I have been inspired to return to an edit of my Fox Point journals with the view to self-publishing as a means of sharing with others the opening to earth’s fullness of my heart and soul that occurred during the years of closeness my children and I lived there. I think of you within that state of being. Love, Anne
Dear Danny –
Laughter is sometimes the best medicine. I am sure all of your guardian angels will show up for the big event – warm blankets from a nurse, jokes from an xray tech, physicians, smiling receptionists. We will be there cheering on your love-filled arteries!
Much love,
Susie
http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/Not-much-just-flushing-out-my-arteries-New-Yorker-Cartoon-Prints_i8540691_.htm
http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/We-ll-widen-the-clogged-artery-by-inserting-a-balloon-New-Yorker-Cartoon-Prints_i8542055_.htm
Dear Danny,
know that you will be in the thoughts and prayers of “distant” family members who have been touched by your heart-felt words and consoled by your loving reflections on so many differing occasions..keep strong. Cousin Bridget x
Thinking of you!
Danny – So sorry to read this scary – yet hopeful – Heart news for you….(And in this month of all things “Heart” too )… I will join my prayers for you tomorrow with all the others being offered on your behalf for a speedy surgery & recovery…..(Coincidentally, I’ve been reading Elizabeth Lesser’s book -”Broken Open” ….Think y0u’d like it….Her thesis is that these kinds of major life events do not have to leave us “heartbrokern,” but can open us to ever-higher levels of consciousness and relationship – esp. with the spiritual dimension- whatever it is called in your life….( Or as some other sage has noted, “Whatever doesn’t kill us first can make us stronger ….) Will be hoping for renewed strength & energy for you too !!!
Dear Danny,
From Australia with Love we send you light so that your heart can open like the rose. Your Good Heart was never closed and never will.
Love and strength
Carole and Erik
Hello Danny- we dont know each other but all the best. I have come across you through research I am doing for my masters in Social Ecology in Australia. Most of my work this year is on Dialogue- so it has been just fantastic to read your work- love to meet you one day. Off to Ojai foundation this june to study Way Of Council.
By the way I have over come heart problems with the wonder of 10-20 day juice fasts. If interested I can pass on the info on the ones i have followed- life changing experiences for me.
Will do some healing mantras for you tonight doown here in OZ.
all the best
Philip
Dear Danny,
You’ve been in my thoughts, prayers and meditations. I hope you are resting comfortably and healing beautifully after your surgery. Peace.
Danny, sooo very happy you are doing well.