I am grateful for oxygen. Grateful for the first breath I took out of the womb and my most recent inhalation. Breath is the fundamental action of my life and oxygen the reason for the breath. Is there anything else that can be considered more important?

At Plum Village, the retreat in France established by the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, a bell rings every five minutes to remind participants to be mindful. Today, I am going to be mindful of my breath and each time I catch myself breathing, express gratitude for oxygen.