So maybe a way to start tonight would be with a favorite quote from E.B. White.

He writes that I awake in each morning torn between the desire to serve and desire to

savor the world. This makes it hard for me to plan the day.

May we all face that dilemma.

Yeah, I think of one of the great blessings of the spiritual path and a path of true refuge,

really, as this capacity to love our life, to serve and to savor.

And tonight what I'd like to explore is what I consider four main elements that allow

us to awaken to true refuge, that really bring us home and help to nourish that capacity,

to really be in love with what's right here, moment to moment.

So that's what we'll do tonight, maybe next week we'll do the thing about planning

our day. We'll see what we get through.

But I wanted to mention before going much further, is that in addition to those that

of us are here, we have many, many friends that are listening in and are part of this.

And so that aren't on location. And for those that aren't here just to know that a number

of us have gathered to celebrate the launching of true refuge of my book and to gather together

and enjoy being with each other, and that you're part of it.

I've heard from so many people saying they're here in spirit, so I want you to know that

we can feel you here, where the room is chock full of spirit.

So in a bid in that way, thought I'd start with one of my favorite stories about serving

and savoring about that kind of quality of heart.

And some of you might remember, it starts with an old dog that wanders into a woman's yard.

And she can tell from its collar, though no tags, that it's well fed, you know, it has

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