A friend told me that years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. ... Read more
Thankful for a Kindness
“These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful and thankful for a kindness done.” — The Buddha, in the Anguttara Nikaya (AN 2:118).
The doorbell rings. I stand ... Read more
Love in Action
It’s a beautiful day here in California; new Spring leaves are dancing, flowers tossing their heads in the breeze. Crows and ravens are calling, vultures soaring, warblers, sparrows and songbird friends singing across the clear blue sky. There are mor... Read more
You Are Always Welcome
Once when my granddaughter Allie was 4 years old, a couple of her young neighbors came over to play, apologizing since it was a little late. As she opened the door, she immediately invited them in, saying, “You are ALWAYS welcome to come in.” I was st... Read more