There is a teenage boy in Terrytown, LA whom I have never met, but every month I send him a note with a calligraphic wise saying to encourage him to create a worthy life.

The practice of detachment, of letting go of what is not mine to control.

That is assuming that roses are preferable to thorns. Like so many here have pointed out, you don’t get one without the other. That’s roses and thorns. That’s life in a simple manner of being. The habit I would temper would be to denigrate one and prefer the other.

“To treasure life”?
I appreciate being alive on this earth at this time. I appreciate the consciousness that allows me to be mindful of my life. I know I lead a grace given life. I also know it could all change in an instant. When I think of treasure, what comes to mind is hiding, holding, hoarding. I try to do none of that. I try not to cling to life.
Maybe I don’t treasure life…….

“Most peaceful”….. I have many peaceful moments in my day and I enjoy and appreciate each one. Knowing they are impermanent I attempt to not cling to them and realizing the lack of peace many have, I attempt to share them.

The way I express gratitude is by being my best me. How I live, relate, think……

Hello!

As I read everyone’s reflection to this question, I find myself in agreement. There are so many ways to answer that are spot on!
Me, personally, what WILL I do? Bear witness to the complexities of the world and all that entails. Withhold judgementalism. Extend compassion.

Who is to determine what an imperfection is? Is that “who” credible? Maybe the lense we are using is warped.

I am not sure my memories sustain me. I think my sustenance comes from the here and now.
But I do have a faint memory that brings a smile to my lips and joy to my heart. When I was a very little girl I would awaken to the most beautiful music. I called it angel music.

I think a practice of gratitude is as essential as breathing. It allows life to unfold graciously even amidst the sorrow and difficulties some of us face. It brings a myriad feelings that are helpful to take the next step.

Every one has them. When I was young, I intentionally lived so I would not have regrets; now I am a senior still living mindfully, intentionally and…. I have regrets. For the way aspects of my life turned out, for the failure of relationships I never imagined could or would fail. I learned regret might very well be an inherent part of life. I am gentle with regret, mine and others.

I commit to staying present in this now.

Being open to the opportunity then acting on it.

By a practice of peace when times are not tumultuous; then when chaos hits you have trained yourself to be at peace and can choose to be at peace.

Rebecca, as the recipient of someone whose creative outlet is cooking, I appreciate that offering of love each day! Eating has become an act of worship.

Ah….Rumi! Thank you, Pilgrim!

Haha! Kevin,I think they must live here in Duluth where it is frigid and most everything is in the deep fallowness of winter!

Aine! Have a cuppa as you enjoy your new blessing of couch!!