Issue 3

A Note from the Editor

Being a mom to four kids as the holidays approached, I read wish lists with simple inexpensive requests, specific costly desires, and things that were constantly changing. Most kids want to fit in with their peers, to keep up with social media trends and what everyone else has. It is part of being a teen, I suppose. But it can be a challenge to follow friends who are vacationing in NYC, Florida, and the Caribbean while being home in snowy Maine. The day after Christmas, they compared gift lists, some included AirPods, iPhones, the Dyson Airwrap, and so on. 

I am working on teaching my children mudita, which the Buddha explained as finding joy in the joy of others. Not the polite “I’m happy for you” we sometimes perform, but a genuine gladness that arises when we witness someone else thrive. During the holidays, how many of you gathered with friends or family that you don’t often see? How many of you heard about job promotions, house purchases, families growing, and kids’ achievements? We live in a culture trained to compare. Mudita is the antidote. It trains the heart to recognize and celebrate what’s good—anywhere, anytime.

When a friend lights up sharing good news, does it bring you joy? I  just learned a high school friend had their book published and a smile crossed my face as I read the news in their holiday card. Another was nominated as teacher of the year in California—such amazing life events! 

Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we can compare ourselves to who we were a few years ago, recognizing how much we have grown. Korean Zen Buddhist teacher, Haemin Sunim, recommends we start by appreciating small moments, figuring out what’s most important to us and what aligns with our values, rather than comparing ourselves to others. How are you different than you were in January 2022? Do you recognize how you have grown? You may want to take a moment, let it sink in, appreciate it.

Barbara Malinowski

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