“May I become at all times both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place without refuge for those who lack shelter
And one who serves their community to all in need”
I open my eyes. The window frames a brilliant sunrise - reds and golds that fill the eastern sky and spread across the St. George Sound with gentle streaks of pink and warm amber. A flock of white seagulls in the distance fly excitedly and dive into the water for breakfast. A huge Snowy Egret floats over the marsh near a brown peregrine falcon, both in search of food.
I am in Carabelle, Florida with my love, resting from a very busy 2025 and preparing for 2026. The home we are in is on stilts, like most of the homes that face the bayou, sloughs and rivers that flow into the St. George Sound.
A great marsh, part of the Apalachicola Bay ecosystem, spreads out in front of us, full of brown cordgrass the color of late mature wheat fields. The marshes provide a place for diverse wildlife to breed, nest, feed, and overwinter; all the while naturally improving the water quality. They teem with fish and shell fish - which means the area is also rich in birdlife.
Vast open space.
The sunsets are warm and honey-colored, magically transforming the marsh into another form of beauty. Because really, anytime you look at the marsh, it's the kind of gorgeous that makes you pause and take a deep inhale.
One morning, I listened to a dharma talk by Mushim Ikeda, who started with one of the Dalai Lama’s favorite prayers from his book, Ethics for a New Millenium. It inspired me, even though it seems impossible.
In our current national and global environment, the needs are great. And yet, just because it seems impossible is no reason not to start practicing.
How do we tackle anything large and complex? One step at a time. One person at a time.
I am going to start again with gentle kindness for myself and others. And when I fail, I’ll pause, reflect and bear witness, drop judgment...and continue again.
How about you? Will you start? In what way?
Quoting from A Mighty Girl post, the great Dr. Jane Goodall said just before she died, "In the place where I am now, I want to make sure that you understand that each of you have a role to play. Even where the planet is dark, there is still hope."
One foot in front of the other - keep going everyone!
Ha’uoli Makahiki Hou / Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Malama pono (take care of body, mind and heart),
June Kaililani Tanoue
Kumu Hula, Roshi
P.S. Recent talks at our Zen Life & Meditation Center:
Kelly Good, "Listen like a Rabbit" https://youtu.be/sQei5HPcdoc
Dan Good, "There's no Pleasin' the Dharma" (about people-pleasing) https://youtu.be/4EMbMq9HSJ8
Samantha Lotti, "Embodiment" https://youtu.be/1n_rjvzQZ_8