The practice is to smile as soon as we wake up, recognizing this day as an opportunity for practicing. It is up to us not to waste it. When we look at all beings with eyes of love and compassion, we feel wonderful. With the energy of mindfulness, washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, or practicing sitting or walking meditation are all the more precious.
This is very hard for me. I'm tired, and I'm afraid of how much resentment I feel, even as I am committed to my work and would not choose another path while my family's circumstances remain more or less the same. It's a hard place to live, and being happy for another 24 hours to practice is a great challenge. I guess that's kind of the point of practicing. I practice with a shortage of joy so that I can one day practice in joy.
