My eight grade English teacher made a surprise appearance on my recent book tour and I felt a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. To write a book takes many years of study. Many teachers imparted knowledge and wisdom. They planted the seeds in the form of teaching me grammar and English that resulted in the 432 pages of the book. Mr. B played a particularly important role and I still recall asking him about the finer points of grammar. Without his caring and careful teaching in those formative years, my book might not have come into being. In many ways it is the fruit of all those seeds planted through the twelve years of schooling and numerous years of college education. 

Sometimes we have the illusion of independence and self-sufficiency. We imagine that we have achieved what we have through our own work and hands. These are noble ideals, but most anything we have accomplished has come with the help, care and support of hundreds and even thousands of people. Without Divine energy and the contributions and care of everyone from our parents to our partners, we could not survive and thrive.

Self-reliance is a virtue, but it’s essential to recognize the debt of gratitude we owe to society and to those who have helped us. Today, think back to some of the people who have made memorable contributions to making you who you are. Focus on the positive and uplifting and realize that whether you’re conscious of it or not, you too are forming and contributing to the lives of those around you. What will the seeds you’re planting look like in twenty years?

Bio: Debra Moffitt is author of Awake in the World: 108 Practices to Live a Divinely Inspired Life. A visionary and teacher, she’s devoted to nurturing the spiritual in everyday life. She leads workshops on spiritual practices at the Sophia Institute and other venues in the U.S. and Europe. Her mind/body/spirit articles, essays and stories appear in publications around the globe and were broadcast by BBC World Services Radio. She has spent over fifteen years practicing meditation, working with dreams and doing spiritual practices. Visit her online at http://www.awakeintheworld.com.