I just got back from the funeral of a great aunt of mine in Paris.

I had a chance to look at her face for the last time before they closed the coffin. She looked very peaceful in her forever sleep. Her eyes closed tightly. They did not move. Neither did her lips.

The event reinforced my passion for life. I can still open my eyes and see all forms and colours. I can still breathe. Oh, how beautiful life is! What a miracle to be alive!

Here’s to you: Breath, You Are Alive, a song by Sister Chan Duc.

Breathe and you know that you are alive.
Breathe and you know that all is helping you.
Breathe and you know that you are the world.
Breathe and you know that the flower is breathing too.
Breathe for yourself and breathe for the world.
Breathe in compassion and breathe out the joy.

Breathe and be one with the air that you breathe.
Breathe and be one with the river that flows.
Breathe and be one with the earth that you tread.
Breathe and be one with the fire that glows.
Breathe and you break the thought of birth and death.
Breathe and you see impermanence is life.

Breathe for your joy to be steady and calm.
Breathe for your sorrow to flow away.
Breathe to renew every cell in your blood,.
Breathe to renew the depths of consciousness.
Breathe and you dwell in the here and now.
Breathe and all you touch is new and real.

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