It's Your Choice ... Are You Part of the Solution?

They say you’re either part of the problem or you’re part of the solution.

Not always true, of course, but it does offer us a lens through which to evaluate our thinking and behavior around any number of issues. Are we helping or hurting?

Do we choose to complain or even make things worse … or do we open our hearts and think and act constructively … with compassion?

I ran across a prayer recently, It’s from a Buddhist monk who lived some 1,300 years ago. It’s a declaration of commitment to service in the face of suffering and confusion.

They say the Dalai Lama recites the prayer every morning. He starts his day by committing to light a candle and be a part of the solution.

I found it quite beautiful and inspirational.

“May I be a guard for those who need protection

A guide for those on the path

A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood

May I be a lamp in the darkness

A resting place for the weary

A healing medicine for all who are sick

A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles

And for the boundless multitudes of living beings

May I bring sustenance and awakening

Enduring like the earth and sky

Until all beings are freed from sorrow

And all are awakened.”

In a world that consistently tempts us to anger, frustration, reflexive reaction, and self-centeredness, we have to consciously choose the servant’s path and offer ourselves as part of the solution … every day … if we want to light a candle.

Am I up to it? I don’t know. But it’s the person I’d like to be.

How about you?

Love,