During the course of this month, my thoughts have turned to two great spiritual leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. He sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest.

This year, January 17th marked the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and National Day of Service. It was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Since I had the day off from my job, I was delighted to be able to give community service on a weekday. I volunteered at Horses with Heart, new and different for me in my new hometown. Although all the horses were still being boarded for the winter elsewhere so I couldn't get my fix, I was grateful to be of service. I did manual labor, was outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, and met new people. It was an adventure, uplifting my soul and expanding my life (I'm seriously thinking of signing up for group lessons—and I've only ridden a horse once, at 15 years of age!). Service work is a win-win for all!

January 22nd was the day Thich Nhat Hanh made his transition. 'Thay’ was a Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk and founder of the Plum Village Tradition; he is historically recognized as the main inspiration for engaged Buddhism. He was a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, renowned for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace.

How interesting that the lives of both of these remarkable men crossed years ago. Dr. King called Thich Nhat Hanh “an apostle of peace and non-violence” and nominated him for the Nobel peace prize. Thich Nhat Hanh expressed to Dr. King that the people of Vietnam called him a bodhisattva—enlightened being—because of what he was doing for his people, his country, and the world.

Dr. King’s life was cut short by a sniper’s bullet on April 4, 1968; he was 39 years old. Thich Nhat Hanh lived a long life, passing at the age of 95. Both accomplished much in the years they had on this earth. Both had a positive impact on many lives, mine included.

The following song still evokes sadness for me, and even more so in a way these days, when the world needs courageous souls to speak out for peace and the unity of humanity.

I'm back at it again: Writing a daily spirituality blog!

Here's an excerpt from my first blog post of this new year:

Well, is seems the time has come—again—for me to be blogging, to be sharing my life in this way at a minimum. It is my hope that writing about Spirit and sharing my thoughts with others will help us all feel connected to one another and Spirit. We already are connected to one another and in one God, but as human beings we— I— can easily forget that.

Words by Thich Nhat Hanh 

Throughout his adult life, Patrick Mitchell had one goal in the distance: live to be older than 100. Despite him taken great care of his health, about a year ago, at age 72, his hope of becoming a centenarian was shattered when he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Patrick's health began to rapidly decline late last year. His daughter knew he wanted to squeeze more life into his final months, so she posted in a Facebook group inquiring about local bucket list ideas in the Coronado, CA area where her parents live, near San Diego.

I love the number of the new year, 2022—even if I can't believe we are this far into the "new" millennium! I suppose it's because double-two's are somewhat significant to me. My birthday lands on the 22nd of June, and '22' has always felt like a fun and meaningful number.

I trust your 2022 has started out on the 'right' foot and has been filled with perfect health, fun, joy, peace, and wonderful new beginnings. May you and yours have a most blessed year ahead.

Joyce S. Kaye, MSW