In Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective: Mark Epstein described a compelling daily practice from Achaan Chah, the Thai meditation master,

“You see this goblet?” asks Achaan Chaa, the Thai meditation master. “For me this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; I drink out of it. It holds my water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on the shelf and the wind knocks it over or my elbow brushes it off the table and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, ‘Of course.’ When I understand that the glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious.”

I practiced it over time with the perfect Ted Muehling vase a friend gave me years ago. I had it for a long time…

…enjoying its lovely form daily

…and then one day, I accidentally knocked it off the mantle.

The beauty and perfection of the cup remains…in my heart and memory, even as it is gone…

How lucky I have been.