Day Two - Better day,busier day.

Life is certainly more bearable when there is not too much time to stop and think.

Is money the root of all evil? Without it our existence is severely limited but it cannot buy genuine satisfaction in life so, once again, it is just a case of getting the balance right.

Is it madness or sanity to give up a multi-thousand pounds salary in order to rediscover life's balance? In reality it is a luxury to be in a position to make such a choice and yet I'm not sure I fully grasp the situation in which I find myself.

During the last two days I have read writings by two other women which have touched me.

Firstly, an expressed wish to make the world a better place and, secondly, dealing with the loss of a beloved daughter and, in turn, proximity to a grandson.

Had they not shared their stories I would not have been privileged to have read them and consider once again (please excuse me for mentioning him again today) the story of the Buddha about Kisogotami. Beside herself with despair following the death of her child, Kisogotami went to Buddha for help. He, knowing that it would not be possible to do so, told her to bring him a mustard seed from the house of someone who had not been affected by the loss of a loved one. After visiting a few homes Kisogotami quickly realised the wisdom of the Buddha's advice - it is not possible to find a family who have not suffered a sense of loss caused by death.

It is, at the same time, both humbling and comforting to realise that one does not have the monopoly on suffering and that, indeed, it seems impossible to comprehend the suffering endured by some. There is a saying that what does not kill you makes you stronger and that people will not be exposed to events in life with which they cannot cope. However, sometimes it does seem difficult to get through the day and at these times it is helpful to remember that one does not have the monopoly on hard times and that there is always someone who is worse off than you.

Enough outpourings for today. Goodnight and sleep well.