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Lydia Anderson Wisdom Publications Somerville Massachusetts, 02144 617-776-7416 x 27 |
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There's a trend of loving-kindness happening within one Facebook community. On the How to Be Sick Facebook page, readers have been offering to purchase copies of the book (a Buddhist guide for dealing with chronic pain) and send them to those who cannot afford it.
Online PR News – 03-February-2012 –FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chronic Pain Sufferers Find Support on Facebook
Somerville, MA – February 3, 2012 - "To a sick body, a troubled mind, or a hardened heart, nothing is more soothing than loving-kindness practice. May you come to greet all of life's experiences with friendliness and loving-kindness."
These words close a chapter on metta/loving-kindness practice in Toni Bernhard’s "How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers" (Wisdom Publications). Meant to inspire those suffering with illness to practice kindness towards others, Toni had no idea her readers would spread kindness literally through her words.
Toward the end of January, Bernhard noticed a trend on her "How to Be Sick" Facebook page. One reader posted that she would purchase and mail five copies to those who could not afford the book. That was followed by a posting from another reader offering one more book. That was followed by a reader who would donate her current copy, since she had recently acquired an e-reader and could download the book there. This was followed by a promise from another reader that once she purchased and read the book, she would donate her copy as well.
The "How to be Sick Facebook" page has always been one that emphasized support and community. Visitors can find inspirational quotations, animal pictures to brighten their day, pictures of great works of art to enrich their lives, and stories of hope and perseverance. There is even a Facebook group, “How to Be Sick Together,” which allows those suffering with chronic illness and their family members to privately share their struggles and get support from others. Still, Bernhard was floored by the generosity of her readers. “Many people with health problems often face financial difficulties as a result of not being able to work and/or of having to pay for medications and the like. I thought of how these people who are offering my book are practicing loving-kindness towards others,” said Bernhard of the donation trend. “Spontaneously, as opposed to part of a formal practice.”
Communities can come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s the spirit that matters most. On this Facebook page, there is a spirit of hope and an action of loving-kindness.
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