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My spouse and I recently bought one side of a renovated duplex. When we learned that the other side was purchased we assumed that owner would also occupy the home. When we learned that he had purchased the property to rent it out we were initially crestfallen and plunged for a day into full catastrophe thinking. Then in a flash of clarity I recalled the parable of the farmer and his horse. I shared it with my spouse and we decided to shift from resistance to acceptance. Whoever our neighbors will be and whatever they bring may be better than anything we can imagine. Even if what they bring is more opportunities for growth of equanimity.

You are wise in ways I aspire to. 🙏🏾

Yes. Thank you 🙏🏾

Hey Joseph, seems to me your son is wise beyond his years. His clarity and vulnerability bespeaks his understanding of what matters most to him. I applaud his courage and hope his girlfriend does as well. Joseph sounds like a keeper.

Amen Sister! Sometimes the most powerful reflections are held in the fewest words. Thank you for your deep insight.

On my near daily tromps through the woods near my home I have a small practice of kindness that I offer to my fellow hikers who I am approaching from the rear. I always say "Coming up from behind, please don't be startled." One day I offered my practice to a more elderly than me gentleman. As he began to turn around he said "Oh I won't be startled." Then when he laid eyes on me he said "Well maybe I will." We both had a twinkle in our eyes as we both knew that he was referring to seeing a Black woman coming up behind him, a White man. There are not many Black people where I live so yes my unexpected presence sometimes startles folks. We both burst into spontaneous laughter and as I passed him and said "enjoy your walk." He responded "I will now as you have made my day a little less lonely." That was an unexpected watering of my little practice that I continue to offer wondering when I might make someone's day again. I love how Remen'sstory called to me to reflect on how I have and can continue my own gentle watering of life in all its glorious forms.