"Here we are, at this time on the turning earth, perched amidst the ever changing beauty and the many difficulties. With good hearts, we can feel compassionate concern for ourselves and so many who are struggling with climate change, war, pandemic, and continuing calls for racial justice.

Fortunately, these difficulties are not the end of the story. Because war and injustice have their root in the human heart, it is here that change is possible. Looking deeply, we see that the place to start is just where we are. With mindfulness and care we can direct our energy towards benefit and blessing.

This is called planting good seeds.

Thich That Hang says, "Consciousness has all kinds of seeds imbedded in it. Which ones will you water? For those are the ones that will grow."

There are unhealthy seeds of greed, fear, hatred, and ignorance, and when we plant these seeds or allow them to grow, they bring enormous suffering. But there are other seeds. There are seeds of generosity, clarity, and gratitude, of compassion and mutual respect.

With mindfulness you can become aware of the seeds you are planting --with your words, with your deeds. You can see the seeds you are nourishing day by day, moment by moment. This awareness and care creates the future.

Let us tend the seeds inwardly of trust, courage, and vision, and tend the seeds outwardly together with one another and our communities. This is how love grows.

As Thoreau said, "I do not believe a plant will grow where there are no seeds planted. But I have great faith in a seed. Convince me you have a seed there, and I'm prepared to expect wonders."

Every seed watered becomes something to change the world."

Jack Kornfield