No matter the difficulty, it is always better when I meet it with love.

These words are not aspirations for perfection. They are reminders — of how I wish to live, especially when it is hard.

May my actions flow from gratitude and generosity.

May I meet challenges as teachers,
for I cannot escape my habitual tendencies,
the roughness of existence,
including my faults, fallen like trees upon my path,
and insecurities scattered like leaves.

I commit to knowing my identities, attachments, and conditioning—
not as self, but as part of the path—
both dukkha
and the soil from which I serve.

May I walk this path with courage, clarity, and care.

May I grow like a madrone,
shedding its skins as it reaches for the sky—
flexible and resilient,
guided by the lights of faith, conviction, and confidence.

May I listen deeply with all my senses attuned,
rested and rooted in patience,
speaking with kindness,
acting with integrity,
finding tranquility.

May my heart soften.

May I hold space—tender, wide, and open enough
for wisdom to take root
and happiness to spread.

May I rest in not knowing.

May I ride the raft of mindfulness,
letting the river teach me how to flow—
collected and whole.

May I see things as they are,
with clarity and compassion.

May I meet the world
with a heart that listens,
that loves,
seeing the radiance within all beings—

tender and open.

May I serve.
May I awaken.
May I love.