A daily choice: 

self-indulgence or simple joys.

Running an errand at a mall, we were a group of nuns looking after one another and laughing. And observing. I saw a mother hugging her crying child, a young woman laughing along with the blind man who held her arm. 

But mainly I saw self-engrossed people amidst the upscale shops and numerous eateries.

A woman mindlessly eating her lunch while flipping through a catalog. A well-dressed man striding by while venting angrily into his earbuds. A couple looking at the store displays while ignoring each other. People were spending money, shopping, dining—doing things that were supposed to make them happy. But they weren’t. Perhaps they sensed the futility of searching for happiness in possessions and self-indulgence. 

No happiness there. 

Where was it?

In the laughter between friends. In the eyes of a mother and her child. On the face of an elderly, blind man laughing with his companion. The observed happiness was not from any self-indulgence. It was from friendship and caring for others.

When setting a new routine, 

begin modestly.

Let’s say we’re new to meditation. In our newfound enthusiasm, we decide that we’re going to meditate thirty minutes every day. Our goal set, life quickly intercedes and excuses proliferate. I’m too busy. Or Got to clean this mess in the kitchen. Or I’m really tired. I’ll chant tomorrow. 

For whatever reason, we don’t meet our newly set goal.

But was it reasonable in the first place? Meditating for thirty minutes every day is most admirable. But very often not doable initially. What if, instead of setting that goal for thirty minutes, you set it for three minutes? Still too busy or tired? 

“You mean I only have to sit and concentrate for three minutes?” Even a busy or tired person can most likely manage three minutes.

By setting a modest goal, we have a much better chance of meeting it and feeling good. Plus, there’s an additional benefit. After chanting for three minutes, we may continue for a few more. But even if we don’t, we get to feel good at having accomplished our goal.

Transformation takes time. . . .