Living, Laughing, Loving

Some days I consider the questions, “What is my purpose? Have I done enough?” and then I realize that the meaning of my life is not measured by what I do. It is enough to simply be here now

doing the best I can to choose joy and share what I see and love about this world. I found a new (to me) poem by Mary Oliver that expresses this so beautifully…

The Gardener

Have I lived enough?
Have I loved enough?
Have I considered Right Action enough, have I
come to any conclusions?
Have I experienced happiness with sufficient gratitude?
Have I endured loneliness with grace?

I say this, or perhaps I’m just thinking it.
Actually, I probably think too much.

Then I step out into the garden,
where the gardener, who is said to be a simple man,
is tending his children, the roses.

— Mary Oliver, A Thousand Mornings

In these days coming up to the elections in our country I sense and see much worry and fear about the outcome. (I too have felt anxiety and fear about this election.) A friend reminded me yesterday that I can let go of my thoughts and worries about the future and appreciate the present moment.

So today, I challenge you to let go of your thoughts and worries about what might be. They are only thoughts after all, not reality. Take a walk, read a beautiful poem, listen to music, smile at a stranger, love this world. Stop listening to all of the prognostication and predictions. Do what you can — vote your conscience. And then let go. Send out vibrations of peace and love, not worry and hate.

And if you really want to challenge yourself, send out loving kindness to those who think differently than you. Fill yourself with curiosity about what it must be like to walk in someone else’s shoes instead of automatically judging. If you get a chance have a conversation with someone who thinks differently than you do. Get curious and stay open.

Look for beauty in nature. Seek out wonder by looking closely at the beautiful details of plants, trees, lakes, and streams. Pay attention to this moment and steep yourself in loving kindness towards yourself and the world. There is much suffering in the world, it is true. But there is also much beauty, wonder, joy, and kindness. Spend your days living, laughing, loving.

May you walk in beauty.