These brilliant young people inspire me beyond words. I see them as well rounded, balancing their passion for academics and the aspiration to help people with their love of nature, hiking, and rafting. The thing that I admire most about Zak and Lea is that they are taking time to focus on that which is most important to them; their spirituality. They have begun a 6 month meditation internship with H.E. Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, a Tibetan Meditation Master who is a 33rd generation lineage holder. They both realize that the most beneficial thing they can do is learn how to truly cultivate love and compassion, not just for their benefit, but for the benefit of all beings. It is when we care about other people, as well as ourselves, that we find fulfillment.

Stanford Graduation was a weekend filled with inspirational speakers. In the Baccalaureate address, Reverend Peter Gomes, member of The Faculty of Divinity from Harvard University, pointed to “the virtue of failure” saying, “ If education has any value at all, it will help us to understand the constructive uses of failure”. He said that the object of education is not just to make a living, but to make a life that is worth living.

Oprah Winfrey delivered the commencement ceremony speech, sharing wisdom she has learned along her path. This from Oprah; “I say to you, forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, harness your power to your passion. Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart and success will come to you. How do I define success? Let me tell you, money’s pretty nice… But having a lot of money does not automatically make you a successful person. What you want is money and meaning. You want your work to be meaningful. Because meaning is what brings the real richness to your life.”

Congratulations Zak and Lea. You are a blessing to this world.

Pati Kearns teaches Yoga and meditation at Dance Etc. Call 279-9523 for more information.

Click here to view Pati's brochure regarding mind, body, spirit programs for those with cancer.

Contact Pati at patikearns@yahoo.com