I picked up a little book called The Secrets of Serenity. And when I say "little" I mean this book measures 3 inches by 3 inches. Chapters has a selection of these tiny treasures located near the check out. Smart marketing; smart little books.

Seeking serenity has occupied a lot of the life I imagine I could have been spending practicing it instead. As I leafed through the pages, I found my body and mind sinking into peace. Words and beautiful images beckoned me to a state of near nirvana. It was a mini-mind vacation. I mean how can you stay stressed when Tolstoy's nudging you from page 45...."If you want to be happy, be." And so I was.

In a way I'm lucky....because I'm easy. I'm easy to please. It's easy for me to laugh and see wonder all around me. I'm easy to placate. It's easy for me to forgive thank goodness, because I'm easily hurt. And because I always take people at face value and always believe the best about everyone, I'm easily flattered and oh so easily suckered. hahaha....
I easily find and harness hope and ride it with wild abandon.

I was easily moved this morning....by an email from my publisher forwarding my first piece of fan mail. I want to copy it over and I defy any of you not to say "ahhh" after you read it. I want you to witness a simple act of kindness towards me given by an open and hopeful young soul.

My little fan said, "Hiya,

I was reading some of your work on thesoko, and i've got to say, your work is quite good. It really sounds like you are saying most of these things from personal experience or from a great education standpoint. I went to look at the writing team thingy, and it said you're planning on setting up a young teens yoga, and empowerment class. I'm quite intrigued by this, I'd love to try it out when its all ready and set up. I just had a few questions. First, where is it going to be?I'm in Ontario, Canada, near the southern region. If its anywhere near there i would love to try it. Also, whats the age limit on it? I'm 13 so hopefully it will be near there. Keep up the good articles."

If you want to find peace or at the very least an hors d'ouevres size serving of serenity on a daily basis, practice being open to the possibility that it's there right in front of you. Nikos Kazantzakis (writer of Zorba the Greek) said, " How simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, the sound of the sea....all that is required to feel that here and now is a simple, frugal heart."

I found mine today in a miniature book and in the generosity of a young stranger. I found mine by closing my eyes and seeing who I love smile back at me. I found mine by letting go of hurt and frustration and by filling myself with understanding and love instead.

I am at peace.
Today.
Tomorrow, I may have to start all over again....but that's the beauty of it. Happiness, peace and serenity are always waiting for me, as they do for you. They live on the other side of your doubt and anxiety, your fear and resentment, your pride and your ego. Whose side do you want to play on?