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Poem by Svein Myreng

Published in March 1991

I'm so grateful to have friends:
a lotus bud
two clear eyes a smile
a comradely arm around my shoulder
a vibrant breathing hug
tears together.

I'm so grateful to be alone:
crickets in the darkening grass
a walk among pine trees
be with the ocean's pulse
or the silent early dawn.
Ah! To exchange, to flow…
and to rest in the center
To walk with peace
within chaos.

Svein Myreng
Oslo, Norway

Now that you are here… help us continue beautifully into the future.
The Mindfulness Bell is a journal of the art of mindful living in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. It offers inspiration and resources for those practicing mindfulness in daily life and a connection to a community of people who aspire to live life deeply and in harmony with all beings. Subscriptions to The Mindfulness Bell support the work of Thich Nhat Hanh and the worldwide Sangha, as we offer methods for healing and transformation.