fear and serenity

If I could have a wish, it would be to live life and face death and suffering with grace.... with peace, love, and serenity in my heart. I wish to hold no fear of pain or mortality. Fear resonates throughout life's decisions and its relationships. It withers hope and limits joy. So, to be able to live serenely, without fear of judgement--or any form of emotional or physical suffering-- could enable us to love unconditionally. This does not suggest living without caution or responsibility. It would mean living fully in relationships-- to ourselves, family, friends, community, nature, and the world! It would suggest real connection.

And for me, it could mean I wouldn't have to fear having children. Maybe I could start allowing myself that dream. The world may mistreat them. They may mistreat the world. They may kill or be killed.... But would I exchange all of the joy of family and love for a solitary life based on fear of sadness and suffering? I realize now that this was the reason I didn't want my own biological children for so many years: fear of suffering, fear of a dying world, fear of adding to the pain. But what if we face our fear of dying? What if we accept it as part of life? What if we understand suffering as a lens through which to better understand happiness? Wouldn't we be more likely to enjoy life? What if we didn't fear inconvenience? Wouldn't we be more likely to appreciate simple things? What if we didn't fear judgement? We'd be able to enjoy our genuine selves and we'd be able to openly love and be loved....