Word Meds: On Challenge, Anguish, and Beauty

Today, after trying to absorb the tragedy that happened in Sutherland Springs, Texas—and all the unfathomable tragedies we've been facing at a seemingly accelerated pace lately—I was reminded of a certain holiday card I keep stashed in a drawer. It's a little early in the season for holiday cards (and it's been eons since our family has gotten our act together to send out any), but this card is worth a revisit. I got it in the mail a few years ago from the Zen Mountain Monastery in upstate New York, and it's survived round after round of apartment-decluttering, and various partially-but-only-partially successful attempts to throw out old notes, greetings and miscellaneous bits of paper.

This mass-mailed postcard always seems to get rescued in mid-air on the way to the recycling bin. In case it resonates with you (especially these days?), here's your electronic version, so you don't have to make room for it in a storage box or on a shelf, or anywhere at all.

“Dear Friend: As we witness and engage the many challenges and expressions of anguish in our world, may we also see the joy and inexpressible beauty in all life. May we strengthen our commitment to this world, and allow our lives to be of benefit to all we encounter, providing examples of selfless compassion and wisdom. In deep respect, Shugen Sensei, Ryushin Sensei, Zen Mountain Monastery, Mount Tremper, NY.”