This day is one of gratefulness and reflection.

Today I reflect on all the things I’m grateful that I either no longer have or have to hold on too.

All the things that have changed for me, from being impediments to being  channels for spiritual growth.

All those restricting views of life and others and my relationship to them.  Those fears of not getting what I want.

Those fears of old age, disease, death and of life itself at times.

That fear of  something being wrong and it will never get better.

That fear of things going well, but that it won’t last.

Those fears of not living up to the story I have concocted about how life should be.

Those doubts that I do not measure up to a full human being.

I am also grateful for the things that are in my life today.

The appearance of choice in how I view the world and my place in it.

The knowledge that I make mistakes, the part where I see the mistake and want to do better is the part that makes me human, and that is not a mistake.

I offer merit and good wishes to all beings, especially those raised and killed for the purpose of pure indulgence, and all others who are in circumstances they would rather not be in, if they had a choice.

The Five Thoughts From Zen Mealtime Ceremony:

1. We must think deeply of the ways and means by which this food has come.
2. We must consider our merit when accepting it.
3. We must protect ourselves from error by excluding greed from our minds.
4. We will eat lest we become lean and die.
5. We accept this food so that we may become enlightened.