Thoughts on the end of the year 2024

This time I would like to start my end-of-year thoughts with a quote from Sogyal Rinpoche:

Since impermanence is synonymous with pain for us, we cling desperately to things even though they are constantly changing. We are afraid to let go, we are afraid to really live, because learning to live means learning to let go.

There is a tragic comedy in our clinging: Not only is it futile, but it brings us the very pain we wanted to avoid at all costs.

Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

It feels like I've been allowed/had to let go all the time this year and yes, it doesn't stop. It is one of the biggest tasks we have, this constant letting go.

However, when it comes to beloved animals and you don't realise at first why now, why so soon... well then it's just difficult.

Yes, I have also let go of our Nicolaj, but the sadness for him is still great, even in the knowledge that he is in good hands, that it was his way, the tears are still flowing. I miss our animal companions everywhere, in our daily routines, their smell, their being, their touching and yet I am grateful, grateful that he accompanied us for over 14 years with his unique nature and his care for us, for our other furry friends. He was simply a gift.

And despite all the pain, we always let ourselves in for this unconditional love. 

There is endless space in our hearts and we love again, be it an animal or a person, and that's a good thing.

My conclusion for this year is that love is the most important thing and we can always start with ourselves, because only those who love themselves can pass on love.

With this in mind, LIVE-LOVE-LAKE even in 2025 Your Ursel

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)