“Philosopher David Whyte describes friendship as “a mirror to presence and a testament to forgiveness. Friendship not only helps us see ourselves through another’s eyes but can be sustained over the years only with someone who has repeatedly forgiven us for our trespasses as we must find it in ourselves to forgive them in turn. A friend knows our difficulties and shadows and remains in sight, a companion to our vulnerabilities more than our...

“Just when you felt you had it all together – that pregnant pause of perfect balance, soothing serenity, magical space between thoughts with no interruption or distraction, it suddenly melted away. You used all your mind and soul to bring the pause back, but it eluded you like a drop sinking down a deep well. You asked yourself, “Will I feel this exquisite again? How do I bring it back?” A small, loving voice, light as a feather, arose out of...

“Your friend is late getting to the concert, so you tell them not to worry, you’ll hold a place for them. There’s usually a crowd for brunch at a popular restaurant; you tell the family you’ll go on ahead to hold a spot in line. These things you do automatically out of care: making sure everyone is accommodated not just you. Taking this further, you also hold space for someone when you take time for them without them knowing about it. Perhaps a...

“Wouldn’t it be lovely if relatives – kin – whether yours or theirs added one little letter “d” and were automatically kind? Or your kin having been made kind, through thoughts, words, and action; added the small letter “d” to their kin making them kind, too?  Or better yet, both your and their kin added one little letter “d” and were wonderfully made kind at the same time? This is so doable. Take yourself – kin to many; add a “d” and kind...

“Do not worry about being missed. When you can’t make Tuesday’s meeting or you want to take a break from weekend babysitting, give yourself permission to forego these responsibilities. Though they may be important to the organization in question or to your family, you owe it to yourself to take a time out when the need arises. Anxiety or even guilt may emerge – “I’m letting them down”, but with enough notice given, you will be all right. In...