If I saw everything as an opportunity my life would change by recognizing the newness of each moment. If I truly saw everything as an opportunity I would be more at peace with life’s continual change.

Acceptance and allowing for all of life.

When I am tuned in to my own humanity I am touched most by knowing that the stranger I encounter is human to. This is a reminder that like me they also are human and are trying in some way to know the causes of joy, happiness, and peace. That they will also experience circumstances that bring them both joys and sorrows. When tuned in I am deeply touched by this shared and connected life.

Once again, I have learned that life brings us change and I do not always like the process. But, I know I have the inner resources to see myself through my challenges. It is not so much about the change, but more about how my challenges are also the best teachers.

Since it is early, still dark, and there is fresh snow on the ground I am inspired by the quiet beauty of this moment.

I am also inspired by all of you who reflect on these Daily Questions. Thank you for sharing some of your personal inspiration.

Life is everything. From our first breath to our last it contains everything that the human condition will offer. It is our sufferings and celebrations. But, even though life is all of these things…our experiences, thoughts and moods, it must be even more. Life itself demands and requires that it be connected to the Devine creation. Life is what must be lived. Lived thoughts, lived emotions, lived embodiement. Life is what makes us whole and connected to creation and the Creator.

I am grateful for getting up each day, recognizing that there will be at least one thing, no matter how small, I can do for another that is kind or compassionate. I am grateful to be necessary to what may seem inconsequential, but may contain immense power when seen through another’s heart.

I am one who has practiced body scan meditation with some regularity for a couple of years. This helps in noticing what the body may be telling me and aids in awareness. Even though this practice helps, I still eat too much in the evening and I do not allow my body proper rest from exercise. In addition, I fail to realize that the body is running just about everything without my needing to really think about it.

I tend to hold on to the unskillful thought that things (life) should be different versus accepting and allowing space for things to be as they are in each moment. Accepting does not mean I give up my ability to influence, work toward goals, and it does not mean becoming submissive when faced with challenges. If I could let go of the struggle against life as it really is, full of joys and sorrows, I might feel more peace, compassion, and equanimity.

Last night the full moon light filtering through the trees outside my window and its effect of softly resting near me as I sat down to meditate. I was reminded that if I slow down and take time to notice the wonders that are all around me (people, pets, nature, my thoughts, my emotions) I can be surprised by these things that I often think of as mundane or just not pay attention to.

Some of the best teachers in my life have been those who reminded me to authentically be myself. Ultimately, the lesson they shared was that “I am enough”. The reality is that we are all enough if we can find our way to our authentic selves.

The word of the day says “there are riches that lay within us”. I am grateful for the beginning of this day. The gray of dawn will begin to turn to bright blue sky….something familiar, but unique to this moment. I am also grateful for this new day and the opportunity to look inside myself. To notice and know the deeply seated richness that creation has offered. I am grateful for the richness within.

If I were to treat the ordinary as extraordinary I would see each moment as new, fascinating, full of awe and wonder. I would be more childlike and be free just to express for expressions sake. I feel that in someway this is what the work of mindfulness, gratefulness, contemplation, and reflection offer.

Antoinette, wishing you recovery, healing and wholeness.

Michele, I like your morning saying “something wonderful will happen”, this is a good reminder to me to be on the lookout for the wonderful things that happen everyday. I often miss them because they can seem mundane, but really there are many wonderful things that will happen today,

Ed, I have to agree that these words by Howard Thurman are inspiring. I really feel reflecting and an finding our genuine and authentic selves is a guide that leads to peace within and with out. It’s a practice.

Antoinette, I said a prayer asking for relief from this difficulty you are having.

GCharlotte, thanks for this reminder to listen to the body and its message of when it has had enough.