The making of an island, carved out of the rock and dirt by rain from the sky and wind across the land. And then the sea filling up around it. We only see the finished product, the process eludes us. Such is the nature of our existence. We see and think we know from just one point of view. We move through space or time and we see something very different. It is easier to see in the physical world but it is true of all of life. Our point of view is the problem not the truth. There are many points of view and only when we realize that ours is but one, and that it is not more or less right than others that we can understand life from a more universal and more true point of view. Transcending what we think we know is not easy and starts with deep listening to others. Then we begin to see more of reality and expand what we are capable of seeing. When we stop believing everything we think and start listening to others deeply we get on a path that leads both to real learning but also to being a happier person.

Hat Island in Padilla Bay, looking north to Samish Island and Bellingham in the distance on an overcast and yet sunny day.

Sitting down to meditate this morning. So grateful for all the things that I have been given. The Tibetan rug made in Dharamsala by refugees. The stained glass window removed from my childhood home as it was being torn down and given to me by my parents. The handcrafted quilt given to me by Gracie. The home rebuilt from a dilapidated building with my children, Paul, Sierra and Matthias in what I thought would be the hardest of times but turned out to be the best of times. Just outside, the wooden rowing shell that I have gone many miles in, And beyond that the tree swing which Matthias made for his younger brother Taiming. So many things that have captured the love in my life and hold it for me to cherish every day. Real value is simple and measured in meaningful ways not in money, power or strength. True strength is in patience, presence and persistence with things that really matter