Henry David Thoreau’s “experiment” in living alone in the woods presented him with a sense of mindfulness. In the conclusion of “Walden,” he writes the importance of inner exploration.

In a society that takes comfort in separation and dualism, it might be discomforting to see God in people and things we do not like. God is infinite and all-pervasive, connecting all things. Kabbalah is one of many mystical teachings that recognize the existence of God in all things.

When I see immense houses in neighborhoods much wealthier than mine, I wonder how someone needs that much space. After watching a documentary featuring Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a conservationist, I felt the urgency in preserving our forests. We might feel powerless in battling government and business to slow climate change, but we can do our part in refraining from excess.

As a former news photographer, it was my job to capture moments in a short amount of time. But how often do we rush through our experiences in hopes of capturing the moments to share on social media? Rather than view our moments through our cell phone cameras, why not experience things first, and truly live in the moment?

Thomas Merton gave this powerful speech criticizing politics, business and media for dividing the nation. His words in 1964 still ring true today. A minor oops in my recording of this—the book by Mirabai Starr is called “Wild Mercy.”

When we hold onto our anger, it might be difficult to forgive. We might believe that we are victims of injustice, but ultimately we must make an account of how we treat others. Those who have gone forth plead with us to make amends on earth, before it’s too late.

How often do we get caught up in the busy-ness of our lives? Have we stopped and asked ourselves what is really necessary, and what is trivial? Thoreau suggests for us to simplify our lives.

Each moment has a beautiful teaching. It can be difficult to find if we’re focused too much on a destination or too mired in our problems. The present moment can give us a new perspective if we are open to it.

In a world that thrives on conflict, we could easily get swallowed whole. Rather than participate in it, we can transcend it by calling on Shekinah, the dwelling of God.

We like to hurry through life, rushing certain moments in anticipation of a desired event. But what do we miss along this path? Hermann Hesse tells us to make room for the blossoms of life.