I shall be taking a small journey today – through wooded paths, and winding trails; finding, in part, the road home to me.

I’m going to a place where the dandelions ‘smile’ from narrow stone crevices, and the willows dip their heartfelt ‘hello.’

I shall travel for hours, if I like – exploring every route a curious heart may go. I’ll stop to listen to the robin’s trill, and the sound of snow melting back into the earth.

With every step, I shall find my peace – amongst the weathered branches and fallen limbs. Knowing, in time, there will be change – a gentle hush, ushering the dawn of spring.

My darlings, this morning I wanted to share with you one of my favorite poems written by Vietnamese monk and renowned Zen master,  Thich Nhat Hạnh – “The Good News” – a reminder of the sanctity of this one precious human life.

The good news
they do not print.
The good news
we do print.
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 news 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,
of preoccupation,
and get free.
The latest good news
is that you can do it.