A reverence for life

Even the simplest things —

the white fish swimming in her tank —

awaken in us a reverence for life;

for its astonishing resilience, complexity, and beauty...

Humble gifts

It’s not about the value

of the gifts we bring the world,

But rather the humility

with which we offer them.

Seek the light

In these dark days of winter,

our job is simply to seek and reflect the light.

Simple traditions

For 26 years now, the star our daughter made in preschool

has topped our Christmas tree.

Like Christmas, and the holidays, it always makes me smile:

simple traditions are the best!

Bracing for the storm

Facing into the new year,

not knowing what’s to come,

we drop anchor and brace ourselves

as best we can for the inevitable storms.

What matters more than achieving your dreams

It’s important to have dreams, but I’m

no longer convinced that it’s a failure

if we don’t reach our objectives.

It’s what we see and learn as we press

forward to achieve them that truly matters.

Merry Christmas!

As Christmas Day dawns, clear and bright,

we find, rising within us like the sun,

a fervent wish for peace, and hope, and health

for all with whom we share this precious life.

The best present

A spirit of welcome and acceptance

Is truly the best present you can give.

(Sculpture by Anita Feng)

Calm at the center

As the craziness of the holidays reaches its peak,

may you continue to find the bright calm

at the center of the storm...

What lies beneath

Don’t be fooled by surface impressions—

There might be something surprisingly different

Lurking just beneath...

Seeking the holy

Having seen the great light,

We follow the star

In hopes of discovering yet again

The holy that lies resting in the ordinary.

Staying engaged

Just because it’s cold outside

Doesn’t mean you stop outdoor activity.

What will you do today

To stay engaged with Mother Nature?

What flows through you

There’s a gift that flows through each of us.

Be still, and listen:

What is it that you’re meant to bring

into the world today?

Obstacles as opportunities

Do not be daunted by the obstacles

Thrown into your path.

Think of them as opportunities

To test your mettle and learn new skills.

May the sky keep us humble

Look up, and let the vast, evolving,

Magnificent immensity of sky

Keep us ever humble

And filled with gratitude.

Invitation to wholeness

The world lies waiting before you,

an open invitation to wholeness and completion.

Triumph of the Light

Know this: no matter what threatens

to overwhelm you,

your innermost light will triumph over all,

its power fed by the one eternal Source.

Awash in joy

In this holiday season,

may you be awash with a tide of joy...

Signs of hope

In the midst of death

There are always seeds of new life...

Holy Ordinary

Through the filter of the trees

Drink in the colors of the sky

And be thankful for the wholly ordinary.

Aging beautifully

What Shakespeare said of Cleopatra

Is true of Mother Nature, too:

Age cannot wither her,

Nor custom stale her infinite variety.

Appreciate the light

The holidays go by so fast...

Make time to appreciate the beauty and the light.

Use your gifts

It’s not enough to simply have a gift.

You really need to take it out and use it,

Or it’ll just get rusty and freeze up...

Treasuring community

Treasure those moments

When we gather in community

And share a meal together...

No need to be perfect

Just a reminder:

You don’t have to be totally tidy or clean,

Unblemished, in the prime of youth,

Or perfect in any way: you are still beautiful.

Sharing the pond

We may be going different directions,

But never forget that we share the same pond:

Whatever you dump here affects us both.

The enchantment of mystery

Be not afraid, but curious

about our differences:

A little bit of mystery adds enchantment

to the forest that we share.

We are community

However you move forward in this world —

Whether sails or paddles, motor or oars —

Together we make up a community:

Let’s coexist in peace and mutual respect.

Look up from Now

Find a moment to look up from the Now:

From the mending and the bills;

From to-dos and complications,

And appreciate the beauty of the day...

Break the chains of expectation

Breathe in divine acceptance: let your chest expand

And break the chains of others’ expectations,

Lest you pass those binding agents on

To stunt the growth of those whose lives you touch.