It’s funny the way we toss around our points of view, as if we’re entitled to any which one. Or at least we feel like we are. It’s a free country, right?

But wouldn’t it be better if we were more deliberate? And chose a point of view that included caring about everyone, and all the critters, and also the planet? And also took into account that whether or not we adopt a wise, compassionate, point of view, is largely in our hands? And has consequences?

Because it does. Our point of view matters because it’s our rudder. It determines which way we’ll turn when the times get tough. Which they have. So don’t we want a point of view that always, or as often as possible, points us in the direction of safety for everyone on this small, watery, boat we call earth?

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Sometimes I wonder if “wise livelihood” is possible in the law. Can we support ourselves and our organizations and not deal in intoxicants, poisons, weapons, or humans…given the many nuanced interpretations of those words? Including the ways we might, from some perspective we can’t quite see, inadvertently be dealing in one of those ways?

And can we ever completely do no harm, in our adversary system? In our divided country? Our impacted world?

Maybe. And then I wonder, what if no one does that perfectly, but everyone stays committed? That alone feels like a huge deal. A win. One that could, maybe, turn the tide. And if it doesn’t, then at least at the end we’ll be able to say, “I pointed my work; pointed my heart and mind, towards wisdom.” Which is, by itself, a great thing.

Happy Lunar New Year. Ramadan Mubarak. Have a reflective Lent. ♥️♥️

The mind isn’t naturally cloudy. It’s naturally clear and luminous. If you’re in the habit of watching a sunset or looking into the faces of children or elders or the mirror, you probably already know: luminosity is right there, right here.

But if you look in the mirror and don’t see your own luminous mind – and heart - they’re all one system – maybe the clouds have rolled in. And in that case, maybe, just for a moment or hour or day or week, clear the sky, and protect your beautiful mind. Take a break from news media and social media. Choose a tall glass of soda water with lime, or a hot cup of tea. Watch that sun set, or watch the sun rise if you’re an early bird like me. Watch Ken Burns’ American Revolution (not a paid post, but it’s so inspiring).

There’s wisdom not in turning away permanently – we have work to do! – but in taking a break. I’m taking a week off to welcome the 2026 class of the Mindfulness in Law Teacher Training to our first Intensive (!!), so the Wake Up Call will be dark next week.

Happy Valentine’s Day. While you’re out buying chocolates, think about giving yourself a little love, too by giving your luminous mind a break.

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