Homecoming

Of all the pleasures, of all the joyful sensations, of all that’s charged with balance and meaning, first and foremost is one’s own breath. All others radiate from this single, central, indispensable gift. When we forget this, and are in the habit of taking our breath for granted, we’re more likely to be hasty and fretful, and to fall out of step with life’s natural pace and rhythm. To notice and appreciate one’s breath is no silly or idle thing. It’s the foundation of physical and mental health, and the basis of a grateful, positive outlook. Being aware of our breath, we come to care about each other and the environment. Those who engage in violence, and who do the bidding of other cruel, violent, unhappy people, don’t have that awareness. Every breath they take comes with a price. They’re afraid to sit quietly, afraid to be alone, afraid to face their own emptiness, afraid to stop running, afraid of not being accepted. Yet deep down, they know. When the breath of life was first given them, and they looked out upon the world in wonder and surprise, they were joy itself. May they find their way home.

[ 2062 ]