We are telling a story on this field of incredible mystery and magic, tragedy and awe. May it be one of love, compassion, and community.  We, as humans, have the choice, the free will, to be creative, nurturing, and to experience love. Let us do just that. 

A tree knows how to be a tree, an elephant, an elephant and a whale, a whale. There is creative expression in every living thing and yes, everything is living: rocks and rivers, tadpoles and stars. And everything is dying, too. May we hold our own space in the woven fabric of life. May we honor and follow the nature of things, recognizing the essence of Being, living, and accepting that which we call Death, honoring the end of this mysterious breath that breathes our body. 

This living and dying is a practice. May it be imbued with qualities such as lovingkindness, generosity, patience, acceptance, inspiration, curiosity, humor, love. May this practice benefit all beings. With a gentle smile upon the face and in the eyes,  May it be so.  Regardless of the story told, the theory constructed, or the expected reward, it is what we experience while living that is really the only thing we can base our life on, so take a moment, give space, and see what that is.

~An excerpt from the book, Underneath; Seeking the True Teacher