merry christmas

(doesn't he take a great closeup?)

For us, as people sitting here meditating, as people wanting to live a good, full, unrestricted, adventurous, real kind of life, there is concrete instruction that we can follow, which is the one we have been following all along in meditation: see what is. Acknowledge it without judging it as right or wrong. See it clearly without judgment and let it go. Come back to the present moment.

From now until the moment of your death, you could do this. As a way of becoming more compassionate, as way of becoming less dogmatic, prejudiced, determined to have your own way, absolutely sure that you’re right and the other person is wrong, as a way to develop a sense of humor, to lighten it up, open it up, you could do this.

Pema Chodron

Today is Christmas. I will call it that and say "Merry" to you. If you want to say "Happy Holidays" that's okay with me. If you want to wish me Happy Hannukah or Joyous Kwanzaa or something else, I will accept those greetings, too. I appreciate good wishes in all forms.

We don't have to believe in the same language for what is good. We just need to believe in good. More than that, we need to behave in a way that is good.

Not everyone who comes here believes the way I do. That's okay. Thanks for coming.

Not everyone who comes here shares my politics. That's okay. Thanks for coming.

What we do share is a common humanity and a desire to see and do good in the world. I like that. Thanks for coming.

In the dark that is winter, we need more light. Whether on our Christmas tree, in a menorrah, contained in a bonfire or fireplace to warm our bones, we need it. We crave it.

We also have light within each one of us. May yours shine bright and may mine help light the path we walk together.