About two weeks ago, a man I barely knew in life passed away. Dr. Michael Santangelo was a Psychologist and Bodyworker by trade, but I knew him better as an engaged, zen master/punster, with an incredible insight on what it feels like to be terminally ill and to live well with that information. As I saw him dance with his wife, Candida once, I can also say he cut a mean rug.
Normally, I think it would be ludicrous to write about someone you barely know, but in Michael's case and through our many, many interchanges on Facebook, I came to feel a kinship with him. I subscribed to his Patreon page and he served up his wisdom on it for over a year. In this posting, I will end with something that Michael wrote, but want to share a few tidbits about what I learned from him.
1) Terminal illness is not an excuse for losing your humanity. Conversely, it may the last chance you get to share your wisdom.
2) Laughter is good medicine, but empathy is better.
3) Get the hell out Dodge and experience whatever parts of the world that you can--whether it is your sunroom or the sandy beaches of Florida--just go.
4) Dance whenever and wherever you can.
5) Surround yourself in love all the days of your life and remind those who you love how much they mean to you.
6) If hope for you has run out, leave others with hopefulness.
7) Speak your truth and write your words even if no one may hear or read them. You are the gift that has been presented in this world and it would be a shame to condemn yourself to silence.
8) You will become dependent on someone at some point, be sure that you choose someone who can handle the responsibility.
9) This world can swallow you whole unless you make a place of meditation within it.
And lastly...
10) Fast from the world. Michael wrote, "Take a break. Fast from the world by reminding ourselves of what really matters. The path becomes both clearer and straighter thereby."
Of all the people I barely knew, I will miss Michael the most. I guess it is because in some ways, he knew me well. I am the better person for it.
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