Lunar New Year’s Gratitude’s

moon cakes on the altar

The wave can lead the life of a wave, or the wave can live the life of the ocean.  If the wave bends down and touches its true home as water, all fear will end.  ~Thich Nhat Hanh

A bow of gratitude to those who have gone before
into garden of edens,
into dark, unsafe places
that we may have guidance
in their footsteps
and perhaps safely find our way.

Thanks to my spiritual ancestors, including
Thich Nhat Hanh & the community of mindful living
who pass on the tradition of staying up most of the night
stoking fires to boil giant water pots on lunar new year
diligently preparing moon & sweet rice cakes with love
that others may touch the sacred nature of food & water.

made with loving hands

nimble fingers

preparing for tet

sweet rice wrapped in banana leaves, yum

Sincere appreciation for the life of Pete Seeger
his actions and songs which inspired generations to sing out
including me throughout my public health & social justice work
to kids of all ages.
It was joyful paying tribute in song with friends.

And humble thanks to non-human ancestors
who offer the deepest lessons
about the meaning of life
to those who will look and listen.

Many now are looking up
watching for clouds
calling on rain
praying.
listening for the answer.

Yoga friends and I produced “Rain Gratitude Meditation”
with the aspiration that our collective energy
of mindfulness, concentration and insight
will help change the situation.

Please watch and, if you like, share with others
so that our collective energy is strong.
So that water continues to flow.
U.S. Drought Monitor shows that exceptional drought now covers 9 percent of California.