The concept of making space in our heart is a favorite approach I learned as a beginning meditator that I have employed ever since to wonderfully positive effect. 

As I started on my walk last Sunday, it hit me: This is a miracle! All of it! The sky, the trees, the light, the squirrels, the chilly air.

Ok, something crazy just happened. I turned 70! And, to be clear, I’m celebrating.  

In meditation class this morning, there was a conversation about difficult, deeply held patterns installed during sometimes painful childhoods. People spoke of not being seen—especially by their mothers—of a longing that continues since that day, and how cultivating awareness helps. Being a witness, rather than being engulfed in the emotions, helps.

On a Wednesday in September, I woke up with excruciating pain in my right side which went on 24/7, unrelenting, for almost 3 weeks. Then… it got better. I still don’t know what was wrong. What I do know: it was a really great time to practice the path of the Dharma!

Many of my most cherished moments in life have been indescribable. Beyond words and intellect, just 100% happening. But I want to try to talk about them a little bit here.