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I love this analogy of transformation. Watching the wonderful video that Saroj provided was poignant for me in that as the chrysalis emerges from the catepillar it looks rather painful then becomes freeing and comfortable from the skin of the catepillar as it goes within to become silent and reflective as we do spiritually in our own growth. Then the shell hardens and softens within itself to change again to begin anew. I think we go through these transformations throughout life and we learn and grow on our journey.

I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer a few years back and that cracked me wide open. All those months of going through treatment gave me time to reflect on how fleeting life can be. But also how precious and glorious it is. It was at this time that I discovered Thich Nhat Hanh and I dove into No Mud No Lotus. We must all go through things that will then turn out to be blessings. I grew to have peace and no fear of leaving this life. At that time, I was grieving what my loved ones will deal with after my passing. I am so blessed to be healthy now and do not want to ever take life for granted. I try to keep reminding myself to stay present in this moment, love this moment no matter what, through the pain, through the joy. Thank you, Pema, for your wise words. Namaste~

All of these responses/reflections here are wonderfully stated. Having hope curiosity in life, in others to see situations clearly. What can be learned from this situation? What am I supposed to see, do, or act upon, or just observe? Skepticism, criticism, optimism are explained in simple well thought out way, here. Thank you!

What a beautiful story of your landlady/owner taking you under her wing as family then adopting your family. Thank you for sharing!

We delude ourselves when we use separation of us/them in order to protect ourselves. If we can begin to look at all beings, all phenomena as part of the Whole, part of God, we can then love it all. Love them all as we love God because we are all a manifestation of God, fingers of the same hand. Interconnected. I am sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I didn't know of his work but will look further into it. May his family find comfort and peace. Namaste~

I am reading The Heartfulness Way by Kamlesh Patel and he talks of mediation is when we go inward to connect with God/Source. Our souls are longing for that connection. Home with God is within. As we practice meditation as a beginner, it is not always the same. Sometimes, we get so connected to God and long for that experience each time but in longing for something we are cutting ourselves off of learning something new because we are expecting the same results. Being open to each and every experience even when mediating, I feel is essential. Hope that makes sense.

I feel the same! I grew up Christian but am drawn to Buddhism and all spirituality.

Interesting how when you dropped your own religious identity and embraced other's caused you to be unsettled. We do need to explore our own beliefs/identities to then see the commonality of each others and be fully aligned in your own.

I couldn't have expressed this any better, thank you! Yes, we need to absolutely start to look at each other as part of the whole and not cause pain and suffering to others as it hurts ourselves as well. Interconnected in this world. Even if we adhere to a religion but we must also be open to others' religions as well as inclusive and find the commonalities they embody.

Greatness, to me, is defined in how a person lives. Living with compassion and kindness and love. I've been reading a biography of Fred Rogers from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and he embodies these qualities. I consider him to be "greatness". Someone mentioned TNH, Gandhi, Martin Luther King as they embody greatness. Wealth does not equal greatness.

Life is a pilgrimage for sure. We are all wanting and searching for peace, love, security and happiness. If we are aware/awake, we can treasure all the things that come along the way as teaching tools to help us. I am grateful for this journey and to have wonderful souls along the way to help guide me.

I teared up as well reading this story of giving. So beautiful in how he was so quick to act with placing the $20 on the ground and then picking it up to offer to the other family. I am not that quick with thought and would've probably just offered the money but he spare this gentleman his dignity. Such a heartwarming story of love and compassion in giving.

Mother Earth humming...yes, she is humming to connect love to us all. We are all interconnected with love no matter how thick the karma veil is. Just listened to a Ram Dass meditation on just Be Love and let it radiate out into the cosmos. We are LOVE.

Jagdish, yes! Your post resonates so much to me. Being in the present moment as much as possible.

I wanted to say the same as Marleen. What a wonderful teaching and gift your father gave you and I am sure it has served your well in life. Blessings!

I feel my 30yr. daughter is struggling with this concept, pretty much stuck in stage 3. She is depressed and I do not know how to reach her. I fear for her and her internal struggles that she is going through. I can relate to this article in myself as well. We all must go through these stages and find a balance and be true to ourselves.

I love all the responses posted here. This is a reminder that the truths that we see and try to honor are not seen by everyone. When I see the turmoil the world is in and the delusion that is rampant, it helps to remind me that not everyone will see the truth and love even when I think it is so blatant and obvious. People have blinders on and walk their paths differently than I would but that is the way of the world. We are here to shine our light and be gentle, loving, and compassionate with the light and truth. Thank you, for this gem today.

Yes, well said! Namaste~

Wonderful reflection and I totally agree that in healing our pain and releasing trauma helps our ancestral traumas.

I like this reminder that there is an infinite part of us that shall go on. Andrea has left an impact on this world, may she rest in peace.