Vows Of Active Hope

In loving memory of Joanna Macy, I thank you and her, for the many seen and unseen ripples. This is a time of deepening of understanding of myself right now. Searching for what I lost that brightens my light and glows. The part of the vows that I miss is the vow/commitment to start with myself. For years I have invited people to Metta Meditation... and only last year at workshop with my friend, Ven Omalpe Sobhita Thero at Omega Institute, did I start understand that I was missing the most important part--starting with myself. I am still learning and exploring what my inner self needs and wants. It'll be a year next month. This is a big question for me who is always looking outside for what others need and forgetting my own needs. There is much emotion around putting myself into the picture consciously... much discovery. May I be well and happy. May be free from mental distress. May I be free from physical distress. May I be free of emotional distress. May I be free from harm. May I be well and happy. And from this bless of acceptance of myself may all others be free and happy as well. Its not a vow, its a state of being I am learning to open to.

That is beautiful, Sandy. It is important to include ourselves in the Metta practice because if we are well in body/mind/spirit, how do we help others? May you be well, may you be at peace, may you be free of pain and suffering and all that causes pain and suffering.