THE CIRCLE OF COMPASSION

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace." Albert Schweitzer

HAPPINESS IS...

"Happiness is not in having what you want. But happiness is in wanting what you have." H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh

View from mom's meditation and art chair. Beauty without, beauty within, and happiness when she meditates. She often puts one of us on her lap before and after meditation and we feel quiet and peaceful, too, without knowing exactly why.

Mom used to be an avid outdoors person, wildlife photographer, and athlete. Now she is disabled and learning more about happiness than she ever did before. She says living with us helps because it takes so little to make us happy: a new cardboard box to chew on or hide under, a leaf of lettuce, lap time...she wants us to teach her how simple joy can be. And sometimes she calls us her furry little Buddhas. We don't know what that means, but we are happy here! And the view is delicious in Spring!

LITTLE ACTS OF KINDNESS

"The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person's life."

William Wordsworth got that right!

Sometimes I'm having a bad day, and just a little petting, a kind and gentle word, or just the warmth of someone's loving hand stroking my fur is all it takes for me to start purring and remember how happy a truly loved pig can be. We feel that most people underestimate how complex guinea pigs' feelings truly are; but those who do understand bring unfathomable joy into our lives. Mom's many neighbors and friends love to put us in their laps and play with us. They will never know how deeply we appreciate them, remember them, and look forward to seeing them again!