Beginning Anew

We know so well that in our consciousness
are buried all the wholesome seeds-
seeds of love and understanding, 
seeds of peace and joy.
But if we do not know how to water them, 
how can they spring up fresh and green?
When we chase after a distant happiness,
life becomes a shadow of the reality.
Our minds become occupied by the past
or worrying about this or that in the future.
We cannot let go of our anger,
and we long for what we have to be permanent,
thereby trampling on real happiness.
As month follows month, 
we are sunk in sorrow.
So now we recognize our errors and begin anew,
fragrant as a breath of fresh air. ​

- from Beginning Anew, a longer prayer and practice by Thich Nhat Hanh