“I see trees of green, red roses too- I see them bloom for me and you- And I think to myself- What a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white- The bright blessed days, the dark sacred nights- And I think to myself- What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky- Are also on the faces of people going by- I see friends shaking hands, saying, “How do you do?”- They’re really saying, “I love you”

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow- They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know- And I think to myself- What a wonderful world

Yes, I think to myself- What a wonderful world. Oh, yeah.” (Louis Armstrong, 1901-1971)

Dear Jana:

So good to have you back here! I hope that the forums become a reliably safe place for you and for everyone else. I will do my best to cocreate and promote safety and inclusivity in the forums, a place where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued.

No, I won’t be dancing this weekend (no outdoor music in the place I frequent). Got to run, have a great weekend, Jana!

🌿 🤍 Anita

Dear Jana:

Excellent, we both will.. 🤗 ❤️

I didn’t have the time yesterday to read your post in regard to the novel you read. This morning, as I read it, I am finding it very meaningful.

Each chapter of the novel was dedicated to one member of the family describing his or her unique ways of dealing with the family trauma. You wrote that it reminds you of the complexity of people “and that we should respect each other.. even though we don’t understand each other completely, or we don’t even like some ways of healing, we should respect and accept each other. ❤️”-

So true, Jana. I am moving more and more away from black and white/ directive thinking (as in, thinking or expressing something like: “this is the way it is, and this is what you should do!” Or “this is what’s true to me, therefore it must be true to you too!”)==> toward shades of grey thinking: being open to really listen to the other person as a unique person, to really consider the person’s viewpoint (to not prejudge), and to be open to changing my views/ thinking according to what I learn.

Thank you, Jana, for this space to articulate the above, and for being the uniquely perceptive and resourceful person that you are! You are an asset to this small tiny buddha community.

🌿 🤍 Anita

You are welcome, Jana, and thank you for stopping by this morning (here, U.S.), your afternoon (Czechia).

Good to read that you are feeling peaceful and calm, like autumn 🍂🌻🍁

🤗 back to you!