(extra)Ordinary Moments

Excerpt from “Bowing to Each Other” (Shambhala Sun, November 2015) by Brother Phap Hai:

Recently, a practitioner asked me about the benefits of meditation.  I knew that she was hoping I would talk about dazzling lights, profound insights, or psychic powers.  Perhaps to her disappointment, I shared with her my growing sense of appreciation for the ordinary moments of my life-- a cup of tea in the morning, warm sunshine, laughter.  Before, I had taken these things as a given rather than a gift.  Now as I practice more, my experience of them has become richer, deeper, and more meaningful.