Gratitude

For some time now, I have regarded myself an advocate for a sustainable environment.
I recycle at home, I turn off lights and make energy efficient choices when I am shopping. I don't own a car and I use public transportation. I mean not to be wasteful, but I am learning so much about how wasteful I have been. I have not truly been thankful for the resources that I share, and I've taken them for granted. When I use water here, I know that someone has carried it from the well, often heated for me on the stove that operates on a generator with limited capacity. It is the same for the water that is used to wash my clothes, cook for me, and clean my house . The water I drink is bottled and imported from Europe or The Middle East. Tremendous amount of resources go into providing me a glass of water. Supplies are very limited in this remote village, and as a result I am learning much about conservation. When I tear a paper towel in half, I realize what I use is quite adequate. I thankful for my mindfulness. May I learn to be more mindful today. In Living Buddha, Living Christ, Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "Every time we eat a meal, gratitude is our practice. We are grateful for being together as a community. We are grateful that we have food to eat, and the presence of each other. We feel grateful throughout the meal and throughout the day, and we express this by being fully aware of the food and living every moment deeply. This is how I try to express my gratitude to all of life."