Well-being

Every day, we have a choice, whether we want to greet the world with gratitude or greet it with resentment. It is entirely up to us. Remember, you are in control of your emotions. No one but you. So when you get tested by people, by life, by situations (as you inevitably will), ask yourself this one, fundamental question, which may just save you a lot of pain, turmoil, and misery – do I want to respond with grace or with spite? In essence, this is what it boils down to. Our equilibrium and overall sense of well-being depends largely on the temperament we adopt as we go about our day-to-day lives. You are the architect of your own happiness – don’t outsource this responsibility to anything or anyone outside your orbit. Above all, dance daily. It’s tremendous medicine and a perpetual source of spiritual replenishment.

Meditation 70: Appreciation

Appreciate everything, especially when times are tough and whenever your spirit may feel broken. Let your thoughts stream, bathed in sunlight and beauty. For who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Some People

Some people
come in and out
of our lives
with fleeting surprise.

Others have a gift
for resting
deep inside of you,
a lasting uplift.

Haiku

Fragrance flowers
with undying gratitude
unwavering bond.

Tenderness

An afternoon by the river
where glasses tinkled
in carefree merriment,
voices swelled in liquid laughter,
all around bonhomie
spilling over
ignorant to private grief –
the cracked hands, the tears unplanned.

I listened as hard as I willed,
unravelling laid bare, sorrows stilled.
Holding your fingers, fragile and fair,
what solace could I offer?
What comfort unspooled?

Parting ways
on a bridge of concern,
light led you onwards,
and lips joined
and hearts leaped
deep in humanity’s heat.

An eternal song,
music of voices unbarred,
togetherness coalesced.

Amity

Bread on the table.
Sunlight streams through
The open door, words flow
Natural and unforced
Like flowers glowing
In spring.

An hour or two passed;
Conversation, laughter,
Priceless gifts
That matter,
Alert to the present.

Concord reflected
In the wine’s golden glint;
Even if bodies rage,
Happiness stretches
Across the ages.

This river we wade
Awash with wonder,
Upon which strong bonds
Of friendship
Sparkle like silver.