Here we are in the change of seasons—the great turning. The sun is something for us to pay attention to, something we often take for granted. Notice the way the gift of sunlight streams behind everything—it feeds the plants we eat. We can be grateful for sunlight and trees, for people we love, for moments of goodness, and for the breath within our breast. And as our gratitude grows, we may discover a happiness without cause.

Q and A from Monday Night Dharma Talk, Summer Solstice 06-14-2021

May you be at ease. May you be well. May you be healed. May you be happy. As you offer this lovingkindness to yourself, image you can fill yourself with the light of your loving awareness.

With mindfulness we can open to the mystery of our human incarnation—to gaze with an open heart at the unbearable beauty and the ocean of tears that make up life.

Picture someone you care about, someone you love. Feel the natural well-wishing of love. Surround them with care: "May you be held in compassion. May your struggles and sorrows be eased. May your heart be at peace." Now imagine that this person wishes the same for you.

Q and A from 05-24-2021 Monday Night

"Live in joy, in love, even among those who hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within, be still. Free from fear and attachment, know the sweet joy of the way." —The Buddha (Dhp 197-200, Byrom) From suffering, greed, hatred, and fear we can shift our whole identity and find well-being, release, & freedom. This is possible for us and those around us.

Let yourself think of someone you care about. Picture them, remember them, see them in your mind's eye or hold them in your heart. Imagine their happiest moment as a child. Then begin to wish them well: "May you be joyful. May you remember that child of spirit that was born in you. May your joy increase. May the causes for happiness and joy grow stronger in your life." Then imagine this person wishing the same for you.

Q and A from 04-12-2021 Monday Night

How do we tend ourselves, how do we tend this world? Can we pause, be present, take a step back and be the loving awareness that witnesses it all? We are consciousness itself having a human experience. This is an invitation to pause, to walk among the trees, to take time, to remember the sense of mystery. With mindfulness you may discover a peace that allows you to be present, compassionate and open. Mary Oliver writes: When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. And they call again, “It's simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.”