Everyone. A countless everyone that allows this delicate thing I call my life to keep on spinning and boiling my tea water. In Japanese Buddhism it’s called, Namu Amida Butsu – it translates to a refuge in or, a thank you for. A thank you for the effort of others.
My life is the result of the effort of others. This is not poetry but fact. Right now, we stand on sacred and holy ground. When I drive to the mountains, it was their hands that built these roads. When I walk to the ocean, it was their hands and labor that paved the way. I believe in the power of reminding myself to remember this effort of others, their shoulders, sweat and sacrifice.
This may sound obvious, but it really is the key to everything, the why and how and wherefore of existence. In everything and everyone there is effort worthy of your gratitude. In everything our life is already an altar worth giving thanks to. And hopefully I can give in the same measure as I have received and continue to receive.
Christopher Rivas is an award-winning storyteller, artist, host of the Rubirosa podcast, and the author of Brown Enough. www.ChristopherRivas.com
