This past month, millions of people experienced billions of dollars in loss from Hurricane Ike. Although news people kept us informed of
damage control from wind loss and power outages, a prevailing message throughout the week was seen through neighbor helping neighbor and victims who were just grateful the people in their lives
were okay. We were given this time recently to think about and be grateful for what we do have. When we feel fortunate, as many even with damage
and loss will tell you, our attitude changes from emptiness to fulfillment and our outlook becomes more positive, even in the midst of a natural crisis.
The magnitude of September's damage forced us to concentrate on how fortunate we were, yet gratitude
can begin with the smallest details. Recognizing how much we appreciate the normal comforts that
electricity provides us or being grateful our children are safe helps us see the abundance in our lives.
Extending a meal or a shower to someone in need allows us to create feelings of contentment and
satisfaction for what we have. Crisis can be an initiation into the fullness of oneself. On our journey, our
contributions to fostering more support and love to the world has the potential to heal all of humanity, one caring deed at a time.
Our perception too often is that we exist in the world when in fact the world exists in us. When we start to feel connected to each
other, as we saw last month thanks to Hurricane Ike, we bring about others' welfare. This, according to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is the highest form of spirituality we can achieve.
-article written monthly by staff employees