Yesterday, I shared the space of witness with Amel, and probably more of you who also joined in. I usually meditate with a group on Sunday mornings. I few weeks ago, the subject was the worldly winds, what we control, what we cannot. I shared that I was ruminating about how to make a positive difference in this world of ours. One of the members of our discussion group suggested that the simple critical thing to do was to be kind. I immediately (and in retrospect, unkindly) dismissed this as necessary but insufficient. My time in silence yesterday made we appreciate the wisdom of his words.

The unkindness and suffering in our world are certainly the result of actions of those who are suffering mightily themselves. While I can empathize more easily with victims, I realize the importance of directing metta to the perpetrators. They clearly are not at peace. So I find myself with a more conscious commitment to a practice that starts with me and extends outward. You know, be the change you want to see! It's humbling to see that small things can upset my peace, and kindness starts at home. Small steps, nevertheless, forward movement.

May I be at peace. May I be well. May I be kind to myself and others. May you be at peace. May you be well. May you be kind to yourself and others. May we be well. May we be at peace. May we be kind to ourselves. (No others - it's all we!)