“When I die … I’m not leaving, I’m arriving at eternal love …” ~ Rumi

Bodhi

Aug 1st was a heart wrenching day for us – we said goodbye to our precious, Beloved Bodhi (a Shar-Pei, Shepherd mix). In the midst of it all we were also filled with deep gratitude for the Grace and beauty of the life and death of this loving and peaceful being.

Bodhi, who was 12 years old, had been navigating cancer since February and was doing very well but sadly on July 30th things took a turn for the worse. Our last morning with him, we walked (very slowly) to his favorite spot so he could lay on the grass under an old cottonwood tree by the Santa Fe river (see below). He paused at all of his familiar spots and seemed to be savoring each one as though he knew this was his last walk.

bodhi cottonwood trees

When we returned home he settled in to his comfy bed and rested his head on his pillow – peace and contentment emanating from him. Thankfully, he transitioned in our arms, nestled in the comfort of his bed, free of pain, and bathed in our love.

Bodhi was such a gentle soul. He had a way of walking in the world that invited most other dogs (who would normally bark when someone walked by) to quiet down and greet us with waggy tails. He even had an unusual influence over cats. A neighbors cat would greet Bodhi by running up to him and rubbing along his side from tail to head and then they’d pause … go nose to nose and wag their tails!

Bodhi

We have been blessed with being “parents for loving furry ones” and over several decades, have observed (consistently & repeatedly) that these precious four-leggeds truly embody qualities such as unconditional love, forgiveness, kindness, and playfulness. They are simply “being here now” … it’s their natural way of being, their every-moment-existence.

No wonder it is believed by many that people who care for furry ones live longer – with increased happiness and deeper peace!

As we reflect on Bodhi’s life, in this time of deep grieving, … we invite all of you to consciously embrace the gift of “being here now” – using whatever teachings that draw you. Be kind, forgive more … love unconditionally, and let yourself play! Here’s a profound reminder from Deepak Chopra:

Buddha lightning life

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of Infinity. Life is Eternal. But the expressions of life are ephemeral, momentary, transient. Gautama Buddha … once said: ‘This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds. To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the movements of a dance. A lifetime is like a flash of lightning in the sky, rushing by like a torrent down a steep mountain.’

We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring, lightheartedness, and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will have been worthwhile.”

Our “little parenthesis in eternity” with Bodhi brought immeasurable “abundance and joy” to all of us – a “moment” that is most certainly “worthwhile” – and we are so very grateful that he graced us with his presence in our lives.

Bodhi

Our precious Bodhi lives on in our hearts, evermore … his passing hurts terribly and we dearly miss his physical presence … but we are also rejoicing that he is free and he can be with us, even more so, everywhere and at all times – full of joy and love! As Mary Elizabeth Frye reminds us:

Do not stand at my grave and weep 
I am not there. I do not sleep. 

I am a thousand winds that blow. 
I am the diamond glints on snow. 
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. 
I am the gentle autumn rain. 

When you awaken in the morning’s hush 
I am the swift uplifting rush 
Of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night. 

Do not stand at my grave and cry; 
I am not there. I did not die.

— — —

May you be blessed with peace and love
Sanjiv and Cherie

NOTE: Content publishing will be slowed down during August on all our channels (website and social media) … but we’ll resume fully in September.


Rumi poem: When I die ,  Translation by Nader Khalili “Rumi, Fountain of Fire.”
Deepak Chopra’s Quote: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.
Bodhi & the Cottonwood Tree images are from the Manifests Photo Library.
LIghtning Image:  Sunset Explosion  by Charles Patrick Ewing, CC BY 2.0.
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