Phyllis Smith

Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and freedom over oppression. I, along with Jews around the world, am lighting candles this week in honor of the tradition. But this year, it's with a heavy heart, as we mourn the loss of at least 15 Jews gunned down by a father and son in Australia while Jewish friends and families celebrated the first night of Hanukkah on a beautiful beach.

As I delved into my morning meditation practice today, my senses were immediately drawn to the cacophony of crows outside my window.

Kids know how to "just be." The have the innate ability to simply be present in the moment.