sunrise in the dessert

The Buddha said,

What you are is what you have been, what you will be is what you do now.

Guru Rinpoche had similar words,

If you want to know your past life, look into your present condition; if you want to know your future life, look at your present actions.

Though these are ways to look into Karma, I also use them to check my practice. One of the biggest signs that my practice is on track is if I can make it through my wife's monthly cycle without losing mindfulness.

I'd been doing well over the past few months, was even undefeated (2 wins and a draw) over the last three, and this month made it into the third round unharmed. Until last night, I must have let my guard down. Before I even saw it coming, I was out cold from a shot on the chin.

These photos give me some refuge in that the sun came up regardless, and with each sunrise, each breath, each moment, we can regroup, start over, and get back on our feet, together.