Me (Alexandra): Hello Universe.

Universe: Hello Alexandra. We see you’re in a new setting.

A: Yes, I’ve come to the public library because they have air conditioning, and it’s so hot again today. I wish I’d thought of doing this before, because they also have a really well-built chair to support my almost 6-foot frame. And the buzz is just what the doctor ordered.

U: The “buzz”?

A: Yes! The ambiance, the energy, coming from children and big people and books and people who like books. One of the things I’ve come to see so clearly in the last week is that I spend far too much time by myself. Not a new realisation by any means. But the resolve to do something about it is growing.

U: We believe you humans talk about the “comfort zone.” We’ve never understood this term, because we see that deep inside, you’re all aching not to be where you make such efforts to stay.

A: You’re right, of course. The scientific excuse is negativity bias. I think that’s just a fancy name for fear. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, or fear of failing, or fear of succeeding, these are all the same beast – fear – dressed up in different clothes.

U: We like where your thoughts are leading you.

A: That’s encouraging, because they’ve been leading me to dark and despairing places.

U: We have witnessed you struggling with your friend Don’s death.

A: Yes, I certainly have. For many reasons. This weekend has been a big step forward into the light, though. I managed to get myself to go and chant with other people on Saturday morning, which I enjoyed. Even so, once I came home again, I still felt weighed down with the ache of grief and loss. I miss him most at home because I have so many memories of moments spent with him there.

Or maybe… I’m just wondering now… Do I miss him most when I’m at home because I’m there on my own?

Anyway, I read a lot of writings by my spiritual mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, in the afternoon. And I made sure to complete an hour of chanting with my evening prayers. With less than one hour, I sink too deeply under the waves of sorrow.

And then I watched a few short videos from a lovely, kind and deeply sensitive man called Dr. James R. Doty, who unfortunately and sadly also just passed away last month. I knew about him before and then a close friend mentioned him to me during the week.

U: Yes, we felt he could help you, so we whispered into her subconscious mind to contact you about him.

A: Really? Well you were right, so thank you, so much. He was quite the guy. A Stanford neurosurgeon, a neuroscientist, a compassion researcher and philanthropist, among other things.

The third video I watched was the one I really needed. He talked about a kind of transformative practice he does every morning called The Alphabet of the Heart.

Put very simply, 10 letters of the alphabet, C through L, form a mnemonic to help reflect with positive intention on the 10 important qualities they stand for.

I tried it later when I was lying in bed. I thought about each word and how it applies to me and others. I also did it this morning when I went for my early morning walk. I like it. And I believe it’s helping me to lift my mood. After all, Buddhism teaches to chant and take action, and thought is mental action.

May I share it with you? I’ve added two more letters, so it starts at the beginning, with A. I’ve also changed the letter D to stand for determination instead of dignity. But I suppose it could be a Double-D!

U: We know Jim’s version. We’d be pleased to hear yours.

A: Thank you. Here goes!

• A. Appreciation
• B. Benefit
• C. Compassion
• D. Determination
• E. Equanimity
• F. Forgiveness
• G. Gratitude
• H. Humility
• I. Integrity
• J. Justice
• K. Kindness
• L. Love

Dr. Doty said:

Everyone has the ability to change how they see the world.

I’d rather not see it through eyes and a heart that make it an unpleasant place in which to live. I choose to exercise my enlightened life condition and practise reflecting on qualities that create a worthwhile life for myself, and for others.

U: Then you will see Life as it really is, dear one.

Photo by Matthias Heyde on Unsplash