Bells are often used in mindfulness training to help with one-pointed attention. Here’s a meditation with a random bell. If you listen closely, you’ll hear Girl Dog shake her collar after the first bell. If you listen even more closely, you’ll hear my essential oil diffuser. It’s not always perfect, but life never is!

The mind has been compared to many animals—a monkey, a puppy, an elephant. The mind is strong like an elephant, but the present moment can tether it. Pema Chödrön’s translation of Shantideva explains.

Being alone when we don’t chose can be a struggle. However, if we wrestle with the false ideas of ourselves, eventually these ideas dissipate. Then you are left with your authentic self, who is indeed connected spiritually with others who have done the same.

Thomas Merton recognized the unity among us during a shopping trip in Louisville. Can we see ourselves in others? Can we see how others shine like the sun as we grasp for the last pack of toilet paper?

How we treat others can affect the world, good or bad. The “other” is an extension of yourself, so treat others with kindness. This is Pema Chödrön’s interpretation of Shantideva.

The story about two wolves has been somewhat modified to express duality—the good and evil within. But the true Native American story suggests that the black wolf represents courage when it is needed. If we “starve” the black wolf, we fail to see what the dark parts of ourselves can teach us, bringing wholeness and healing.

As spring brings light a little earlier and temperatures a little warmer, step outside and breathe the healing nectar of the morning air.

Although these times try us, it’s important for us to remain in the light. It’s easy to react with bitterness and hostility, but a strong person transforms it through the light.

We struggle when we are alone when it’s not our choosing. Pema Chödrön gives us six suggestions on how to manage the struggle.

Our efforts in self-help are moot if we don’t let go of the behaviors, substances, or relationships that cause our suffering. But it doesn’t stop with us. Once we begin our healing journey, we must aid others in healing their suffering.