For years I’ve seen myself as a Buddhist.  These days that label is fraying at the edges.  Perhaps I’m no longer a Buddhist, and that would be fine.

The Buddha said many marvelous things.  Here are four expressions of kindness:

May you be free from danger

May you be happy

May you be healthy

May you live with ease

Yesterday and today, I’ve sent these wishes to the folks who have come close to my life.  First at Café Come Back:

Older men watching a football game on TV … a young woman busy with her phone … a 30-something fellow with eyes only for his video terminal … and on the edge a man thinking, accompanied by his glass of water.  They’re all deserving of my care.  I spoke silently the four phrases to each person in turn.

No one noticed.

***

This morning at Izy Coffee the outside world presented itself.  I welcomed them as the Buddha would:

Did the guy looking at me feel the wave of energy breaking on his shore?  Probably not.

The fellow on the tram wearing a light green sweater is disappearing down the road.  Was there a twinge in his soul for an instant?

Many more people sauntered by Izy’s window as I sat pondering and sipping.  They were all bathed by me in safety, happiness, health and comfort.

***

And now my landing spot is the terrace of Planet Pasta. Here they all come:

Young families; arm-in-arm couples, solitary couples, hand-holding couples; a driver backing towards Herbacos with stuff to unload; wee kids checking out the evening action; black, white and brown beings; bodybuilders; stooped old women and men; Uber moto drivers; speakers of Spanish, Dutch and French; a fat man overflowing his bicycle; pink hair, grey hair, no hair; smiles, frowns, vacant faces; clothes of orange, white, red and of course black; cyclists zooming by or tenderly easing past pedestrians; fast and slow folks; tall and tiny …

Human beings all

I’m glad you’re on the planet, dear ones