Gratitude – from “Zen and My Friends”

for the lessons learned
for the moments of doubt
for this gentle grace that wraps my heart
for that fear that rips at me from the inside out

for my family, and the people in my life that continue to trust me
for the voices that have guided me on my journey
for the signs that keep me present
for the knowledge that provides humility

for the music that continues to nourish my soul
for the words that flow from me in this moment
for the gifts I’ve been so blessed with and honor through this work
for the awareness and acceptance of my many, many shortcomings

for the desire and perseverance to continue on this path even when fear consumes me
for the understanding of the most trivial parts of men, myself and society
for this powerful energy that rages through me
for my health and the teamwork involved with keeping this vessel in warrior condition

for these moments of clarity that have been granted to me
for my keen senses that continue to sharpen even as this body grows older
for this intuition, likely my greatest strength and blessing
for this opportunity to embrace the unknown and to discover truth

for the inspiration, just when my faith was starting to fade
for the courage and bravery to continue regardless of the misfortunes I’ve absorbed
for the guidance, without which I may just have become a cliche
for the peace of mind that I have learned to rely upon in the moments of panic and disorder

for the experiences, trials and tribulations that have all been part of this vision quest
for the wisdom to recognize that this is a quest
for the love that resides in my heart, which I will continue to develop, accept and share
for the consciousness, that my mind, body and soul have agreed, that this path is worthwhile and likely the key to what we cherish