TALES FROM THE BOBBI LAMA

Recently, I’ve been volunteering at an independent living facility and feeling the great connection with them in a way I never expected. It all started with wanting to help the elderly remember happy memories and write them down into a collection. I thought they’d love to accumulate a memoir-like folder so they would have it as a keepsake for them or their families. I was wrong.

There was no interest in writing since it was either too hard to do with visual or physical limitations or just seemed like work. There was, however, great interest in being heard and developing relationships with one another. It gave them joy to share memories and personal beliefs as they all got to know and understand one-another. The bonding has become deeper as the stories and sharings have become more personal, and the compassion they all demonstrate has been truly heart warming.

Each week I suggest a topic for discussion that I hope will serve to make them feel good. I’ve explained how the brain serves the body with endorphins as the central nervous system brings the immune system, digestive system, and circulatory system into a calmer and healthier mode. And when they do share negative experiences, it very often ends on a positive note with the expression of growth or pride as the result.

For example, one week we talked about change. Some had stories of good change, others lost a spouse and found the grief to be really hard (and I do understand.) The end result was a conclusion of pride as the transition taught us all how strong we can be and how grateful for the happy memories. We all ended up sharing stories of growth and self-awareness. Our discussion ultimately lead to our varying beliefs about our souls and the afterlife and was absolutely interesting and delightful. Then they all shared how great and plentiful the people and activities are at their establishment now making a whole new positive experience in their lives.

Looking back over these past few months, I believe the biggest lesson I’ve learned was that trusting the Universe to allow what was needed to unfold was the best way I could let things happen for them. It was never about my vision. It was about a simple group of souls sharing and caring and finding the good in our lives, together.