Things To Do

This isn't really a poem and yet is sheer poetry. One of our members shared this at a recent meeting; it is taken from Marguerite Manteau-Rao's new year's resolutions. She is a mindfulness meditator, Mindfulness-based psychotherapist, memory care consultant and co-founder of the Presence Care Project.

"The old informs the not yet born, and the awareness of time passing brings a sense of urgency, to be wiser, kinder, and even more mindful . . . Here is what I wish for this New Year:

To make my sitting practice a daily priority.
To spend less time being social with strangers, online.
To think twice before acting on the heart's closings.
To not expect too much, and be grateful for what is.
To make room for the unavoidable unpleasantness.
To not cling to pleasant things, people, or moments.
To have compassion for my imperfections, and those of others.
To uproot the hindrances, especially fear and anger.
To view each social interaction as an opportunity to learn.
To play catch with thoughts and chase away the impure ones.
To move more slowly and more deliberately in the world.
To be more with nature, and people, and less in my head.
To rest in the breath often throughout the days.
To walk each step, thankful for the earth beneath.
To practice loving kindness often, and forgive myself when I forget . . ."