What is successful living? Does it mean the same
For each and everyone upon earth now alive?
The answer is both yes and no depending on
What one’s meaning of life is. The phenomenon
Of the meaning of meaning’s proneness to contrive
Less than real things of value the ego does claim.

Resolutions for new starts begin with release
Of the past segment’s chaos. All my suffering
Is of either the body or the troubled mind.
Separation between them and me is most kind.
Meditation achieves that. Indeed it will bring
About certain relief and a feeling of peace.

Outside things that will happen I’m not shielded from.
But what goes on within me is worth giving more
Of my focused attention. My feeling at ease
Is a measure of joy – not a goal I must seize.
Ease and joy are equivalent, and keeping score
Reinforces what is and invites more to come.

What is eaten had life once. Should I feel respect
Since it is part of me now? With such I must treat
With appropriate reverence and gratitude.
It gave life as a blessing. Sacred is my food.
Harmonizing with nature can make the life sweet.
To the earth’s vast intelligence I must connect.