Ninety Words

Sometimes in life you have to know when to say “when”. Even under the worst of circumstances–loss of a loved one–you must put a stop to the constant craving that will never be satisfied by what is lost. You need to leave room to fill up on what may be.

Sometimes, when things seem bleak, you can discover something that takes you out of yourself, shows that you are still teachable, that play is important, and most things improve with a little love.

‘Tis the season for graduates to embark on the adult lives. What world have created for them? What advice would you give your 21-year-old self, knowing what you now know about life?

Thich Nhat Hanh (Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk) said: “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” If you are lucky, a lesson in “letting go” appears when you least expect it.