How good it is that there is a humane society where people who care about lost, injured, or abused animals can work together to help them receive shelter and attention. How good it is that there is a place that values and takes responsibility for those unable to take care of themselves, and for those who care to volunteer and care for them.

 

Joining or volunteering at a shelter near you may be an opening to a better understanding of and appreciation for the good humans can do when they come together to demonstrate their care and love. Visiting the cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals in a shelter and reading their individual stories may open your heart and mind to recognizing the need we have to give and to receive from other people who are also touched by them.

 

You may find some insight as well as some peace in the process of becoming a volunteer at your local shelter. Consider the humane society. You may gain some better sense of the human community of caring individuals and perhaps experience the soulful trust of a dog or cat there.

 

Peace to you this day. Peace.

The water lily is the "American Lotus." In an antique shop and above the front door of this shop on The Avenue not long ago we spotted a beautiful gold -framed photograph of a single white petaled water lily. In the photograph each of the cupped petals of the marvelous white bloom seem to collect and hold sunlight in gentle radiance. As a result, each individual petal shows a slightly different color and luminescence,yet as a whole, the picture is the presence of and a teaching in harmony and beauty.

 

We can find the beauty of peace in a moment of attention to simple elements of life. We, too,  like the petals of a lily reflecting our own individual colors and luminescence,  gather, hold, and contain our own sense of reverence for life and light.

 

Joy comes from expanding your awareness. Take a moment to notice beauty. It is a way to peace of mind, heart, and spirit. Of course attention is yours to give or to take away.

 

Peace to you this day.

Peace.

A rainy day is just fine for recognizing the living treasures in our lives. Birds seem to enjoy a rainy day. Flowers are freshened with the coming of grey clouds and trees seem to relax in the moment of quiet stillness. A friend of ours welcomes rainy days with joy. She calls them "no demands" days when she can relax, read a book, or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without the sense that something needs to be done. A rainy day can, itself, be a living treasure to welcome and embrace in its quiet solitude.

 

The cat curls around and sleeps on the couch much as though it were a warm hearth inviting and then welcoming her repose and relaxation. She half closes her eyes to notice anything which seems worth her attention. Her day is spent enjoying the peace and quiet stillness of a rainy day.

 

Each day is a living treasure. A rainy day can be a welcome gift.

 

 

Peace to you this day. Peace.