Let's not rely so heavily on the earth-shattering events to awaken us from the mechanical slumber that can sometimes pervasively control our lives. Let's all remember to live in this moment and celebrate life because while my father is right that we are all dying, at least for today, we are all living too.

And then, just as I turned the corner -- as if choreographed by the hand of an all knowing God -- the perfect parking space opened up right in front of the ashram. How fortunate I felt! How graced! I closed my eyes and meditated some more.