Someone told me the other day that he studies the writings of
Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and has studied
with him on a retreat with others. What impressed him from
these meetings was that people who studied with him were trying
to become better people.
I liked that thought a lot, the idea of trying to become our best
selves and, in our so doing, helping make the world a little bit
better. This is an empowering thought, particularly now as we
live in a world in which we can some days feel so powerless as we
read about the war raging in Iraq, as we feel swallowed up by the
harsh commercialism that confronts us with such force. I like
walking in neighborhoods where the buildings are small and do
not go soaring into the sky and take away the light. It makes me
feel things are on a more human level.
And the thought of our trying to become better people corresponds to
that image, that we have some power to make other peoples’ lives
a little better through the kindnesses and respect that we show
them as we interact with them.
I know that I would like to be a better person, too, and not be so
self-preoccupied. All this means taking time to think more carefully and more quietly
about the type of life we want to lead. It is so important to live
with thoughtfulness and good intent. It can sometimes be a struggle
to do so, and at the same time it is the easiest thing to do. It
is like breathing and being aware of our breath going in and out.
Are there things you are doing to be a better person? Please share
them with me. I’d like to learn from you.

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