I lead a blessed life, always have, I think. But currently my usual morning consists of some writing, some reading, some meditation accompanied by soothing ambient music. This is followed by a walk, sometimes long, listening to a book on audible.

Following lunch, it’s more of the same with the addition, perhaps, of chores, going to the grocery, cooking, working a jigsaw puzzle, or playing solitaire accompanied by a variety of tunes, often from my growing years of the 50s and 60s.

Like I say, a blessed, perhaps charmed life. Recently I had done a loving kindness meditation, “May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be at ease. May I be free.” or a variation extending the wish for all the people of the world including any adversaries. I like this meditation as it leads me as close to equanimity as I can come.

In the afternoon, playing solitaire, listening to some folk music, Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” appeared on the playlist, and the lyrics hit me like a hammer. I’m reproducing them below as a reminder for those who are familiar with his work and an introduction for young people.

FOREVER YOUNG by Bob Dylan

May God bless and keep you always, May your wishes all come true, May you always do for others And let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars And climb on every rung, May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous, May you grow up to be true, May you always know the truth And see the lights surrounding you. May you always be courageous, Stand upright and be strong, May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy, May your feet always be swift, May you have a strong foundation When the winds of changes shift. May your heart always be joyful, May your song always be sung, May you stay forever young.

There you have it – Bob Dylan’s loving kindness meditation! Who knew? And in this moment, I feel forever young!