People in power try to control the masses with fear. There are really only two paths for us to chose from in life…fear or love. Love is the answer to combating this “us” versus “them” mentality. We can join together in non-violent ways to show our love for what we value.

I know why the caged bird sings, Siddhartha

Discernment- knowing how to spot the snake oil salesman.
Vulnerability- not being afraid to admit what I don’t know has been the biggest factor for becoming a curious learner and for growing leaps and bounds. And allowing myself to feel– there is a time for suffering and a time for celebrating, and I can feel both and everything in between, and I won’t break.

Traveling with my family to visit loved ones around the country so my children and my mom can feel the love and hear the stories and join in the laughter. Tying up any loose ends financially. Plan a big jam night with my husband and our friends in the backyard. Make sure nothing is left unsaid. Drink in all the beauty and love and share it with others. Plant a perennial garden dedicated to me!

I don’t know if I can so easily say I expect nothing in return for my kindness. I don’t expect anything from the person I am helping, but I think I hope that my kindness will have positive ripple effects in the universe.

For me sometimes longing becomes a knee-jerk reaction. I see something and I think, “I’d like that.” But soon I’m examining if it really is something that would enhance my experience in life, or, like Kevin says, if it is attainable, and 999 times out of 1,000 the answer is no. So I think that’s how longing enriches my life…it forces me to keep evaluating who I am and what is really important to me.

Look each person in the eye, smile and open the door for dialogue with a question or compliment. People want to be appreciated for who they are.

I often take breaks throughout my week to commune with nature…hike in the woods, sit by the ocean, have “coffee with the birds” as my husband and I call it. But the most serene I ever felt was holding my babies while they slept…I did nothing else but hold them, feel their miraculous tiny bodies breathing, and watch them sleep.

Sounds like a good read!

Thank you for reminding me of Mother Teresa’s beautiful message! Words to live by…

Thank you! You reminded me that someone once told me she offers a silent prayer when she meets someone who seems upset or disgruntled. I like that. Enjoy the day!

I was not familiar with Oscar Miro-quesada, so I looked him up and watched a video on his shamanic journey. What a learned soul he is. Thank you for mentioning him.

Ah yes, swimming!

I lost all my coconuts a long time ago!

I love that. I will read it over and over.

Yes it Is! I am so glad I’ve come to recognize life as a beautiful learning experience, like a giant playground where we are all figuring out how to get along.

I appreciate your insight. I was thinking I have to get it perfect, but maybe instead I just have to be grateful that I keep getting a little better at it each time.

They turned it into a film…wow, I’d like to see that. Thank you.

Aine, thank you so much! I may take you up on that because I am very new to growing vegetables!