A passing encounter, likely about 18 years ago, with an individual whose name I’m not sure I even received. The interaction lasted for likely no more than 5-10 minutes, but he posed a question to me in a way that prompted the self evaluation needed to refine, and ultimately change, a key career decision. I’m certainly a believer in the power of connection – through the eyes of others we may increasingly know ourselves.

The billions of stars in one galaxy, the billions of galaxies in the universe, the trillions of cells in one person, the microscopic design of the cell, and the wonderful perfection of it all – humbling and inspiring.

Control, at least for the next 20 minutes over lunch; then, maybe I will try to hold on just a little less tightly.

In the same way that passing gas creates a foul odor for not just others but the individual, emanating good from the self positively impacts the self, as well as others.
Apologize for the association!

Any good that I do, I do not truly know that it is good. What seems good, may not be; what seems not so good, may be truly good. I do my best, all the while accepting my ignorance.

Listen while reinforcing the strengths of the someone, being careful to not invalidate the suffering.

Through Intention – then faithfully start with the precept of being grateful, and fill in the blank.

Be fully present and engaged in the here, in the now, and act in response.

Continued presence and support from community of friends, family, professional team, and all those whom I serve. Their presence and support may be from both their requests of and expectations of me to act, as well as their facilitating my actions. Also an ever-strengthened connection with God, holy spirit, and the visible community.

Invest, forgive, support, step forward, collaborate, and do.

By passing the gratitude forward!

Connection – connection with purpose, with individuals, with God, with the world that surrounds.

I do have a tendency to see abundant opportunity throughout daily life, where the challenge becomes focusing on the one on which I am capitalizing – not all the ones that I have been unable to capitalize on, or missing out on as I type. Seeing opportunity in and of itself can be a mixed blessing – there is certainly the immeasurable benefit of seeing purpose and value all around, but one must retain grounded humility in doing our small part, doing what we can.

Humility, trust, courage – just a few virtues that would need reinforced for a truly unconditional, yes.

Breathe in …

Good people – people striving to do their best, daily, the fundamental part of all things good.

Every part, nearly all of the time – all taken for granted as I take in, move through, and strive to impact the world around me, fully reliant on my body and mind, without due appreciation/gratefulness – until I get sick or injured. Will do better!

When something is given to someone, there is an unavoidable urge to give to another. When I am given something, I want to give in turn. Gratefulness is the awareness of our daily gifts, so it is inevitable and unavoidable that when receiving these gifts through gratitude there is a matching desire to give to others – social change.

My ideals, my principles – if let go, I would likely feel liberated at first, but soon following devoid of motivation and direction.

How apt, Br. David prompting Pope Francis to reflect on a simple, yet profound opportunity for the Catholic church – through a concisely written question. Perfect and wonderful!