CategoryExperience

by Brian EnrightOakland, Calif. I pulled up to the teepee with a full beard and an empty stomach, in search of whatever it was I’d been after since leaving my 9–5. I’d come on the invitation of a friend, to take part in a ceremony of the solstice.  The ceremony, which involved flushing gallons of

Repaying debts of gratitude, I expand my life without limit.

Losing my refuge, I find one that can’t be lost—in me, in community, in motion.

Awakening to my power to impact my environment, I bring hope and joy to my community through friendship. I am Jun Koizumi of Gardena, California.

Finding joy amid loss, I shine for those around me.

Seeing myself through my daughter’s eyes, I walk the path of a person of courage.

Learning from my mother’s example, I use my faith to become the author of my own life story. I’m Alexandria Jones from San Diego.

Coming around my wife in her final days, her friends help me begin anew.

Chanting for my late brother’s happiness, I reawaken my creative spirit.

Drawing on the strength of countless friends, I see my daughter to victory.

Repaying my debt of gratitude, I transform my life and the lives of those around me.

Taking the hands of old friends, I discover new ones wherever I go. I am Philippe Crettien, from Bellingham, Mass.

With a stand-alone spirit, I rebuild my family and unite to expand kosen-rufu in Tobago.

Centered on appreciation, we make the impossible possible again and again.

Transforming skepticism into faith, I become a person who appreciates the heart of others. I am Gabrielle Tao from San Mateo, California.

Rediscovering Buddhism in New York, I feel I am coming home.

How my newborn son taught me that happiness is something we fight for.

Joining the Courage Group in the wake of a house fire, I see that a brighter future rests with me.

Reminded of my mission, I overcome grief and loss by deciding to win for myself and others.

Insisting on respect, I create friends and allies who fight for me as hard as I fight for them. I am Kathy Simons from Cambridge, Massachusetts.