(RU Fukuoka Prefecture/Female/70s/Housewife)
I have always felt how fortunate and lucky I am. My wish was to have a warm family like my parents. And the man I met was kind and I can talk to him about anything. We were also blessed with two sons. My husband’s job-transfer away from home, taking care of our parents—none of it didn’t turn out to be a big problem as long as the family supported each other. We were able to overcome a lot of things under good circumstances.
A Sudden Illness That Turned Out to Be an Eye Opener
My diagnosis last year was also one of them. I went along with my aunt to her doctor’s visit. And I happened to tell the doctor about my cough that has been ongoing for a while. It started off as a light conversation, but the doctor decided to check on it more carefully. It turned out as an early stage lung cancer.
The doctor told me that coughing is usually not a symptom for early stage lung cancer. And he said, “I am not a believer of any greater power, but I can’t help but to think that something helped you to find this disease…This is an unusual way to find out this cancer.” I was stunned to think of the protection I was given by Kami.
This incident gave me an opportunity to reflect on myself. I tend to panic and flounder around when something happens. I truly think my kokoro was being protected to calmly decide to get my lungs checked, and to calmly accept my diagnosis. In fact, it wasn’t surprising because I have family members who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past. And I knew being healthy was truly a blessing and something not to be taken for granted. Moreover, I’ve been supported by my husband, my family, and the people around me. And once again, with a single judgment the doctor made, I was able to find out about this disease at an early stage before it got worse.
Kami had reminded me that my happiness is all because of my family and the people around me. And this thought brought out more gratitude within me. And for that reason, I want to do my best in putting the teachings into more practice and follow through with my way of life to touch people’s life with love and care.
My Message to Everyone—the Joy of Living with Kami
My surgery was a success, and I only need a follow up with my doctor once a month. During my last visit, my doctor told me that everything was looking great.
I will never forget the awareness I had. In fact, my urge to want to tell my family and to the important people around me about the joy of living life with the presence of Kami. This urge is getting stronger and stronger everyday because I want the people I love to be happy. My husband said something sweet the other day. He said; “You are a gentle and kind person. I am most certain that people would agree and trust about the Kami that you recommend.” So, I want to keep living with the kokoro of love to meet his words of expectation.
Heeding the Shinji to Understand the Reasons for the Joys Experienced
Shinji is the universal principle (truth), and can also be the guidance of life that foresees the future. Please feel the wonders of a life that flows exactly in a way the Shinji tells us when you live with the teachings of Kami.
Shinji
The more your kokoro comes close to Kami’s kokoro, true health can be felt and achieved.
The kokoro will be enveloped with a sense of security, and when feelings of gratitude are deepened, people will feel a sense of ease and comfort.
If you can live each day with a calm kokoro, anyone can deepen their encounters and live a life full of joy, and with meaning and purpose.