Early this morning I received a call that a very dear and very old friend had just died. Almost immediately, my mind went to guilt that I hadn’t been in touch with her for a few months. Yes, I’d thought to call her and then didn’t. What good would it do for anyone — her, me, her devoted caregivers who were calling to tell me — if I continued to indulge in “it’s all about me” guilt. How grateful I am that, almost on the spot, I saw there was another choice:: to feel in my heart the goodness and pleasure and gratitude for the opportunities we’d been given to be of service to others during our long and loving relationship. When I snapped out of the dark of self-incrimination into the light of Love, I was able to acknowledge, from my heart, the two caregivers who’d been devoted to her — to Shirley — for many years. They loved her. I loved her. I trust, wherever Shirley is, she’s smiling, thanking Life for having returned us to Love.

Dear Marc, what a happy surprise to meet you here! And thank you for this elegantly and respectfully offered practice. I’ve often wondered about my tendency, when I’m feeling alone or lost or even “weird”, to calm my myself by believing I am not likely to be the only being suffering in this particular way, that I can’t be THAT unique. I have been less likely to go on to offer the calm and kindness I feel then to my fellow beings. Thank you for this help in completing the circle of connection. Sara Bragin