I am at loss in regards to Syria.The civil war in Syria has gone on for more than six years and has claimed the lives of almost a half a million people. It’s hard to believe all the pain and suffering Syrians have been experiencing may have started with peaceful protests in regards to 15 schoolchildren who were arrested and reportedly tortured for writing anti-government graffiti on a wall. The atrocities are countless and last week chemical weapons, possibly Sarin gas was used on civilians and then the 45th president of the United States ordered air strikes on Syria. Is bombing really a good way to help these people? Why hasn’t the 45th opened our borders to Syrian’s refugees looking to escape these horrors.

At these moments, I look for hope and reminders of the goodness in this beautiful world. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is really skillful at this and I thought I would share his reminder with you.

A Precious Human Life:
Every day, think as you wake up:

“Today I am fortunate to have woken up.
I am alive, I have a precious human life.
I am not going to waste it.

I am going to use
all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others,
to achieve enlightenment for
the benefit of all beings.

I am going to have
kind thoughts towards others.
I am not going to get angry,
or think badly about others.

I am going to benefit others
as much as I can.”

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama