unknown monk

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and, as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have had an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could have indeed changed the world."


As it has been said by Amelia Earhart, 'Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. The soul that knows it not, knows no release from little things; knows not the livid loneliness of fear'...strong words. Impactful words. I am always in constant amazement as to how our words and actions can influence one another. Months ago there was a good aquantence of mine who spoke the kindest words to me on a day when they needed to be heard. Words of encouragement and honesty. I have recently told him that though his comments were random and unprepared, they were still meaningful and extremely humbling to me. Those words have stuck with me for months and have influenced the way I see and act on certain things-in a beautiful way. I feel that sewing seeds comes with patience, ceasing opportunities, and vigor-truth comes with passion and directness-and love of another human being, this, this is the simple compassion that we don't have to plan out-we can all have and show for one another day in day out. This is how we can begin a process of change; Within ourselves first so that the inner becomes outer and compassion, truth, and seeds are shared and grown among a community of brothers and sisters walking together with strength and hope.