Friday, November 28, 2008
Giving Thanks
It's about 10 AM here on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, at the Holiday World Music Center, in scenic Castro Valley California, just a few minutes' drive from the beautiful San Francisco Day. The temperature is probably fifty-something and it's overcast, with prognosticators at the National Weather Service suggesting we might see the sunshine later. I just finished off a tasty breakfast scramble that worked out even without eggs - the ones I have, have obviously been in my fridge too long. That's the life of a bachelor for ya. But the orange-pineapple juice is still good, and goes well with a bit of rum and a slice of lime. And my iPod is currently giving me some lovely, upbeat steel band music.
Whats *not* to be thankful for? :)
I've been reading the new book about Captain Tony, the "Salt of Key West," and it's beautiful. It's roughly equal parts biography and philosophy, and the "life lessons" he offers are lessons I've been working toward understanding and embodying for years: "Compassion" is the most important word in the dictionary. Find the "jewel" in everyone you meet.
What hasn't been said so far, but that seems semi-obvious after a bit of reflection: Have compassion for yourself, and find your own "jewels." In order to "love thy neighbor as thyself," one must first love thyself. :)
I'm already starting to use these words in my own life in a stronger way. It'll probably be one of those "two steps forward/one back" things...but it seems well worth working on.
I'm still above ground, and that's always a big one to be thankful for - without that, we're kinda screwed anyway, after all.
I've got a roof over my head, food on the table, and some excellent friends and intentional "family."
I've got friends and fans who think that I create worthwhile stuff.
I have some excellent mentors, in real life and in the books I read.
And, to quote Candide, I live "in the best of all possible worlds."
Have a beautiful, thankful day, whenever you read this. And thank *you* for being connected to me and my life, even just by reading these words.
Whats *not* to be thankful for? :)
I've been reading the new book about Captain Tony, the "Salt of Key West," and it's beautiful. It's roughly equal parts biography and philosophy, and the "life lessons" he offers are lessons I've been working toward understanding and embodying for years: "Compassion" is the most important word in the dictionary. Find the "jewel" in everyone you meet.
What hasn't been said so far, but that seems semi-obvious after a bit of reflection: Have compassion for yourself, and find your own "jewels." In order to "love thy neighbor as thyself," one must first love thyself. :)
I'm already starting to use these words in my own life in a stronger way. It'll probably be one of those "two steps forward/one back" things...but it seems well worth working on.
I'm still above ground, and that's always a big one to be thankful for - without that, we're kinda screwed anyway, after all.
I've got a roof over my head, food on the table, and some excellent friends and intentional "family."
I've got friends and fans who think that I create worthwhile stuff.
I have some excellent mentors, in real life and in the books I read.
And, to quote Candide, I live "in the best of all possible worlds."
Have a beautiful, thankful day, whenever you read this. And thank *you* for being connected to me and my life, even just by reading these words.
