May 2021 – A View from Santa Fe – The Glory of Spring Buds

As we admire and appreciate the glory of spring blossoms bursting with color and the magical fruit trees flaunting their display – we are enamored, cherishing the present moment. The calming effect of nature has a salutary effect on our mood.

Lately, I have been discussing with professionals and patients the importance of discovering inner peace. The pandemic has cast a dark shadow. We listen to the catastrophic news of India and the horror of deaths; Brazil, and countries in Europe returning to lock-down. We try to outfox the variants as they run just ahead of us – “you can’t catch me.” Yet, we are one world and if another country is struggling, we struggle with them.

Many of us have been vaccinated and feel a sense of muted safety. We will need booster shots, or yearly shots before the pandemic runs its course. This is the dark shadow across our bow.

Cultivate Mindful Communication

We can cherish the moment and find peace of mind; a place to heal and regenerate. I was ordained in the tradition of Thich Nat Hanh, breathing in, breathing out. The space of inner peace, walking meditation, treasuring each step as we gently embrace the earth. We take in the sky and revel in the clouds. Opening ourselves to all feelings, we neither expunge dark nor light emotions. We cultivate mindful communication, deep listening, and compassion for each other. These are excellent practices I offer you.

Santa Fe is a beautiful place. We own a condo here where every window embraces stunning juniper, wisteria, aspen, dogwood, white birch, and glamorous budding trees. The sky changes colors, moving from puffy clouds to hail, then sun and wind, as the trees blow as I look out from my office window.

Blessings abound wherever you are, as we can always walk, be present in nature and find our peace of mind. We can be hopeful no matter what we are enduring. We can have the courage to surmount the challenges we face.