Our full attention or presence is our most valuable currency. Where, when, and whom we offer it to illustrates what we most value or love. I thought of Mary Oliver’s ‘instructions for life’ today, when I saw these buds transforming in the April sunshine.

Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

Compassionate of heart
Clear in word
Gracious in awareness
Courageous in thought
Generous in love

~John O’Donohue

The expanding sunlight meets chilly temperatures today, as winter bows to spring’s promise of green, then blossom. Soon the daffodils and tulips will flag winter’s surrender, and the season of rebirth and renewal will have fully arrived. Are you ready, too?

We are all wounded inside in some way or other. We all carry unhappiness within us 
for some reason or other. Which is why we need a little gentleness and healing from 
one another. Healing in words, healing beyond words. Like gestures. Warm gestures.
Like friendship, which will always be a mystery. Like a smile, which someone 
described as the shortest distance between two people.   ~Ben Okri