I’ve always been unsettled by the nature of the news.

When I was much younger, the news featured special interest stories, hometown heroes, and uplifting sentiments of the day. On Sundays we would follow Charles Kuralt, discovering the world through his “one tank trips.”

Life was much simpler then – when the headlines solicited sentiment, captivated our hearts, and urged us to believe. Why, even the weather segments would include a summary of the local festivals for the kids – as images of little strawberry-stained cheeks graced our every screen.

Do you remember?

In those days, the news was motivated by a kindness of heart, and the strength of community.

Now, sadly, the headlines are structured towards the number of views gathered each day. Stories of war, poverty and strife –

But, the good news is still there, my friends – like the dandelion with its wondrous smile, singing the songs of all eternity.

And, all you have to ever do is listen.

My darlings, on this day I wanted to share with you one of my favorite poems by Thich Nhan Haht – a reminder that we must always embrace this good news that surrounds us each day.

The Good News by Thich Nhat Hanh

They don’t publish
the good news.
The good news is published
by us.
We have a special edition every moment,
And we need you to read it.
The good news is that you are alive,
That the linden tree is still there
Standing firm in the harsh Winter.
The good news is that you have wonderful eyes
To touch the blue sky.
The good new is that your child is there before you,
And your arms are available:
Hugging is possible.
They only print what is wrong.
Look at each of our special editions.
We always offer the things that are not wrong.
We want you to benefit from them
And help protect them.
The dandelion is there by the sidewalk,
Smiling its wondrous smile,
Singing the song of eternity.
Listen! You have ears that can hear it.
Bow your head.
Listen to it.
Leave behind the world of sorrow
And preoccupation
And get free.
The latest good news
Is that you can do it.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese monk, a renowned Zen master, a poet, and a peace activist. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1967, and is the author of many books, including the best-selling The Miracle of Mindfulness.