Universe: Hello dear one, may we inquire how you are?

Me (Alexandra): Hello! You may! I’m sitting in the kitchen with good vegan organic food braising in the oven, feeling grateful.

U: Ah. Gratitude. Your spiritual mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, taught, “A person becomes their strongest and most beautiful self when their heart is filled with unwavering gratitude.”

A: The longer I live, and the longer I practise Buddhism, the more I can breathe life into those words.

U: And apart from having good food to look forward to soon, may we inquire why you are feeling grateful?

A: Principally because I’m aware of myself changing, of my self-transformation, I guess you could call it.

U: Oh do tell us more. Although we are The Universe, we enjoy a good story like any other living being!

A: Well, negative qualities are fading and positive qualities are strengthening. With the daily fusion of my microcosm with Your macrocosm that practising Buddhism brings, I frequently experience You, dear Universe, sending me the right aids at the right time.

U: You must take some of the credit for recognizing what will be beneficial for you, and incorporating it into your life.

A: Thank you for the reminder to give myself praise as well as praising You and other people!

U: I believe you humans have a quaint saying about bringing a horse to water. It illustrates that supplying what is necessary is only the first step. If it is not appreciated and acted upon, it is as if there is no water there at all, and the poor horse wonders why it feels so thirsty.

A: My astrological sign is represented by the centaur – half human, half horse. So I like your analogy!

U: You are welcome, dear one. We have observed that you have a thirst for knowledge and wisdom and thus it is a pleasure to assist in slaking that thirst.

A: Well you certainly have brought tons of practical as well as inspiring wisdom my way this year! No wonder I feel more grounded, patient, confident and hopeful. I’m truly grateful, even for the tough situations that help me build my character.

U: They help you build your character because you view them as such. And it will go well with you, dear one. For your mentor also taught this truth: “There is no one as strong as a person whose heart is always filled with gratitude.”

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash