Chesed, the beautiful but untranslatable Hebrew word

I was reading a beautiful essay by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, in which he defines the Hebrew word "chesed" as combination of love, kindness, faithfulness and compassion. What we are in the end, what our life ultimately amounts to, he reminds us, is the love and kindness we give. We exist to inspire and encourage each other to practice such chesed in our homes and out in the wider community. Theologies may influence our values, but what comes first is the truth that where there is no chesed the presence of God has been forgotten or neglected.

Even for those who don't believe in God, the concept of chesed and its practice gives pause for thought. Where is chesed amidst so much suffering that we see in the world? How absent it often seems, far from the scenes of unjust misery and suffering. If we understand that the nature of existence is a oneness within all consciousness and all being, this must never be turned into a pious excuse for avoiding the reality of suffering. Our awareness of the oneness, and the importance of what Rabbi W defines as chesed, can help us to find a healing perspective that is of use in the world.

Arriving back in London , on Sunday, we went to Regent's Park and hired a rowing boat. Very romantic, as I remembered that Nick had taken me rowing on Roundhay Park Lake in Leeds on one of our earliest dates, soon after we met in September 1972. He also took me rowing on the river in York on a lovely, lazy autumn day soon after that. Ah, youth!

In Regents Park on Sunday, there were hundreds of people, but the Park just seemed to absorb everyone. All nationalities in our cosmopolitan city seemed to be represented, all shades of colour, all varieties of national or religious dress codes, all enjoying the late summer sunshine and relaxing with their loved ones. Dear God, if only the whole world could take heed. We humans really can all get along when not posturing and not warmongering.

We could follow the example of these wonderful animals in these images here, loving and caring for each other and understanding that we don't need to harm each other. Thanks to Mia, who sent me these divine photos.

Once again on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, there have been the predictable television and general media documentaries. How inconsiderate of those in the media, who still see Diana as a means of selling papers or attracting viewers, with no thought for how it feels for the grieving families involved. Not just the Princes, but the Fayed family and the other loved ones of the chauffeur and bodyguard. How must it be to be regularly reminded of the tragedy of that night as if it were some kind of public entertainment.

At last, the Galley Proof of my book, Eternal Sparrow: poetry for love, laughter and life, has arrived in the post today (see above, front and back cover.) Giovanna's design is beautiful, and shows off the title and text really well. This is one step nearer to publication and I am so happy with the finished article. I have sent a list of names and emails to Strategic Books, so they can alert people when the book is ready.

Another two reasons to celebrate:

A new client with a bunch of debilitating allergies, whom I saw yesterday for the first time, rang me today to say that she felt brilliant and hadn't felt this well for ages.

Our friend Fru's aunt, whose doctors gave 48 hours to live a week ago, is not only still with us but is now conscious, sitting up and taking food. We have all been sending healing to her and it seems like it's working.