I could say thank you — again and again — to the people who helped me stay at the ashram, so that one month turned into fourteen months.

Several people over at kindspring.org come to mind. Ones who keep it going, day after day, month after month. Every time I go to the site, I am both humbled and inspired. I have learned many things from them, hard to put into words — that kindness is generative. And that it can provide purpose and meaning. Not being grounded in a particular religious tradition myself, I take comfort in knowing that the Dalai Lama often says, “my religion is kindness.”

A day in the summer of 2016 when the veil lifted for a few hours, when I was able to glimpse the ultimate reality of our interconnectedness — me with a city tree, some sparrows, and all of the strangers passing by — through practicing “The Gentle Art of Blessing.” Experiencing all the love flowing through me. I’d like to live this day over and over until my heart remembers to stay so open for all of my days to come.

Dear Kristi, thank you for this essay (it is very encouraging to me personally) and thank you for all the work you do to help bring the transformative power of grateful living into our world. Namaste, Cynthia

Merry Merriment Day to you, Christina.

You could say it is a sleepy hollow 🙂

Yes, there is much to love 🙂

So much of what you write resonates with me, Aine. Seems we are on similar trajectories. I take to heart your vow, “today I will choose…” Thank you.

Oh, the many blessings of a friendly coffee shop!

Thank you, Deb, for voicing this.

Ooo, that is a good one too, with the hole in each page for the caterpillar to climb/munch through! What a very sweet memory it must be for you.

Dear JoAnn, that is so beautiful! I am sorry for your loss and I hold you in light wishing you peace today.

I once had a boss like that, too. What a blessing. Thanks for the memory.

You are welcome.

ps there is such a lovely video, “Holy Bee” you can watch right here on this site.

Hello Danette, what a heart-warming reflection, thank you! I really love your profile image. It reminds me of one of my favorite children’s book authors, Eric Carle, and his wonderful book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”

Thank you, Sheila. It was a profound experience that I have not, so far, been able to really translate, but for which I am deeply, deeply grateful. If you are curious about the practice, you can find more on the website gentleartofblessing.org.

Dear Aine, this is really very beautiful. I have deep respect for your journey and your sharing it here. Happy tears for you.

Thank you for your courage in sharing this. Thank you for being here.