The birds in the trees, the light at dawn, the gorgeousness of morning: these things are all mixed up right now with dysfunctional politics, a precarious climate, and so much going on at home.

Mindfulness helps. Present moment attention without judgment, the first step, is crucial. And so is the next step. 

The next step is, don’t wish things were other than they are. Work hard to change things, absolutely. But be present moment to moment with the joys and the sorrows, too. 

It’s a big invitation. And, it’s the main reason we practice: to be able to be present, no matter what. And with that presence of mind, take wise and decisive action. 

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For those who are confused, in the U.S. and everywhere…