When we feel our togetherness, there are countless ways to express our care. While it is easy to get caught up in believing we should be doing something more or different, what really matters is that we care. Just as a bright sun causes ice cubes to melt, in the moments when we feel connected and kind, we create a warm environment that encourages others around us to relax and open up. Each time we widen the circle of caring- with a smile, a hug, a listening presence, a prayer- the ripples flow out endlessly. When we offer comfort to the person sitting by our side, our kindness spreads through the world. Whether offered inwardly or to others, the bodhisattva’s compassion is a gentle rain that touches, without bias, all of life.  ~Tara Brach

as we contemplate new directions, old ways, and our one, looming life, may we hold close our highest ideals as a way to reset our direction, to pause with kindness…….

Life is this simple. We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and the divine is shining through it all the time. This is not just a nice story or a fable. This is true.  ~Thomas Merton

the art of humility

Aliveness is energy. It’s the juice, the vitality, and the passion that wakes up our cells every morning. It’s what makes us want to dance. It’s the energy that moves a relationship from the status quo to something grander and much more expansive, something that makes our hearts beat faster, our minds and our eyes open wider, than ever before. Everything is of interest to a person who is truly alive, whether it’s a challenge, a loving moment, a bucket of grief, or a glimpse of beauty.  ~Daphne Rose Kingma