Living Forward

Coloma ghost town, Montana (from my recent trip with Jen and Patia)

Another day is upon us, sweet new light and life. As much as I love the summers (read sunshine and long days) in Montana, I have to say that I look forward to the fall this year. Along with the transition of the new school year, fall in Montana brings gorgeous colors. But perhaps most of all, the changing season brings the sort of mental ‘settling in’ that I’ve needed for a while now. It brings opportunity to simplify, to cut away activities and pursuits that are not serving the true purpose of life: service.

The Blessed Buddha once said:

Uṭṭhānako analaso,

Āpadāsu na vedhati,

Acchinnavutti medhāvī,

Tādiso labhate yasaṃ.

– Dīgha Nikāya III 273

Worthy, wise and virtuous

Who is energetic and not indolent,

In misfortune unshaken,

Flawless in manner and intelligent,

Such one will honour gain.