There are lot of things to worry about these days. The election disaster, the media hype about financial worries.

My aunt read some where that some woman lived till 108 – now troubled about her own retirement savings running out after 98. Kanya West is mentally/emotionally unstable and is hospitalised – with all the fame and money, he is unable to find work-life balance.

Philosopher Alan Watts asks us: “If you were God, what kind of universe would you create? A perfect one free of suffering and drama? Or one filled with surprise and delight?” That’s world we have, Amongst all these uncertainties, we have to have hope we have to find hope.

Mark Morford writes “Stop thinking the global crisis is all there is and realize that for every ongoing war or religious outrage or environmental devastation, there are a thousand counter-balancing acts of staggering generosity and humanity and art and beauty happening all over the world, right now, on a breathtaking scale, from flower box to cathedral. Resist the temptation to drown in fatalism, to shake your head and sigh and just throw in the karmic towel. Realize that this is the perfect moment to envision a re-enchantment of the world to change the energy, to step right up and crank up your personal volume; right when it all seems dark and bitter and offensive and acrimonious and conflicted and bilious . . .there’s your opening. Remember mystery. And, finally, believe in the seeds you plant, believe that you are part of a groundswell, a resistance, a seemingly small but actually very, very large impending transformation the beginning of something important and potent and unstoppable.”

Congressman Tim Ryan, author of the Mindful Nation, found that in his district in Ohio, the school systems and the healthcare have benefited greatly by including mindfulness. He gave his book on mindfulness to every single member of congress. Jack Kornfield teaches us to center ourselves and see the possibilities that each of us can make. And look for ways to embody this. Sew the seeds of beauty and connection in the garden of the world. Whether its a small business that we work for or a largest corporation, whether an artist or healer, a teacher or a student, there is a place to bring our mindfulness and compassion. There is a place for awakening.

To laugh often and much

to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children

to earn the appreciation of honest criticism and endure the betrayal of false friends

to appreciate beauty and find the best in others

to leave the world a bit better weather by a healthy child, a garden patch, a redeemed social condition

to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived

– this, is to have succeeded. – Ralph Waldo Emerson