Just Practice ❤️

“There is a quiet light that shines in every heart. It draws no attention to itself, though it is always secretly there. It is what illuminates our minds to see beauty, our desire to seek possibility, and our hearts to love life. Without this subtle quickening our days would be empty and wearisome, and no horizon would ever awaken our longing. Our passion for life is quietly sustained from somewhere in us that is wedded to the energy and excitement of life. This shy inner light is what enables us to recognize and receive our very presence here as blessing.” John O’Donohue (January 1, 1956–January 4, 2008)

I do not profess to be a master of mindfulness or meditation but I do believe in practice. Especially these days, with so much going on in our world, practice seems an attainable goal, something that I can do each day that anchors my choices and actions in kindness, compassion and equanimity. It also connects me to others who are out there practicing to nurture lovingkindness in their lives. I envision the energies of all those practicing creating circles of waves across the planet as we all seek to savor our days and serve our communities. Poetry and quotes remind me that we are connected through inspiration, creativity and sharing with one another as we are able. Please enjoy a few of my favorites for the season!

“One word, one action, or one thought can reduce another person’s suffering and bring them joy. One word can give comfort and confidence, destroy doubt, help someone avoid a mistake, reconcile a conflict, or open the door to liberation. One action can save a person’s life or help them take advantage of a rare opportunity. One thought can do the same, because thoughts always lead to words and actions. If love is in our heart, every thought, word, and deed can bring about a miracle.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
(October 11, 1926-January 22, 2022)

Nothing Wants to Suffer – by Danusha Laméris

Nothing wants to suffer. Not the wind
as it scrapes itself against the cliff. Not the cliff

being eaten, slowly, by the sea. The earth does not want
to suffer the rough tread of those who do not notice it.

The trees do not want to suffer the axe, nor see
their sisters felled by root rot, mildew, rust.

The coyote in its den. The puma stalking its prey.
These, too, want ease and a tender animal in the mouth

to take their hunger. An offering, one hopes,
made quickly, and without much suffering.

The chair mourns an angry sitter. The lamp, a scalded moth.
A table, the weight of years of argument.

We know this, though we forget.

Not the shark nor the tiger, fanged as they are.
Nor the worm, content in its windowless world

of soil and stone. Not the stone, resting in its riverbed.
The riverbed, gazing up at the stars.

Least of all, the stars, ensconced in their canopy,
looking down at all of us— their offspring—

scattered so far beyond reach.

*“I felt suddenly alert to tenderness, to how carefully and inextricably we’re bound to everything. And to how stories bind us.*
May we listen to the world and all it has to say.”
—Danusha Laméris

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

If you are interested in mindfulness practice in community, please join me weekly for my live-on-Zoom guided mindfulness practice sessions. In a friendly small group setting, we practice and learn together. The sessions are offered freely, donations are accepted, and appreciated. Join me Mondays at 7pm EST for a 20-25 min guided meditation and a few minutes to connect afterward. We do take a break for the summer season. Contact me at liveyourpractice@gmail.com for more information! And please feel free to share this with others who might be interested! 🙏

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