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“When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”

–The Beatles, Let It Be lyrics

A friend from my meditation group, Ann Walker, recently passed away. She was 57, full of vibrancy and life.

Last month was also the one-year anniversary of the death of my best friend in high school, Gina Maria Guerin (formerly Belissimo). She was 46, mother of three girls, and married to Bob.

I find myself asking what I might do differently or what I might do that is helpful with my time on this planet. And I try to understand what lessons these women would want me to learn.

Perhaps, with Ann, the lesson is to enjoy life. It passes quickly. Have fun. Don’t worry so much. Allow yourself to be passionate. Laugh and cry, fully! Be bold with your dreams and take risks to reach them.

Perhaps, with Gina, the lesson is to appreciate time with my daughters, have gratitude for a wonderful husband, keep in touch with friends, listen to music, dance, be creative, and love.

These are not easy lessons when we get caught up, busy, tired, stressed, angry, sad, disappointed, frustrated, and pre-occupied with the minutia of our complicated lives. So what do we do? How do we get to that place where we say, “Yes, people close to me are dying, and I want to make something useful of the precious time I have left here”?

For me, the answer is to let in light and love. It is my spiritual commitment to slow down, breathe, meditate, walk in nature, and read inspiring materials. I want to take to heart the lessons I am trying to learn–even on those days when whispers of kindness, love, laughter, and patience are not easy to hear. I want to laugh more (which is the most healing medicine I know!) And I want to understand that it is enough in this world, each day, to just breathe, release, and be.

In joy & gratitude,

Diana