I have just returned to New England after two and a half weeks on the West Coast with one of my spiritual teachers. Being with her is sometimes exhausting, but always healing. That I have never called her Rinpoche, but sometimes do call her Skeezix, does not diminish her status as my mentor. Nor does the fact that she is just starting back to kindergarten today, after the Christmas holiday.

“Follow the vitality” has for years ruled the trembling needle of my inner compass. It has helped me distinguish the apparently reliable but moribund path from the riskier one — the one aligned with the life force and shining eyes. Vitality has never led me wrong. Because of this Skeezix became one of my teachers: she effervesces, a veritable geyser of enthusiasm and bounce, she is the embodiment of vitality, vivacity, and sparkle.

In addition, she is so tender-hearted that witnessing a threat of harm to Kermit the Frog brings a hot rush of tears and a cry of outrage. “Save him!” I want that immediacy and moral power, too.

A few days ago, as we were walking to her swimming lesson, quite spontaneously she said, “Every time I jump in the deep water I feel a little bit scared and a lot excited. That’s why I love it.” You see why she is a role model for me? A little bit scared and a lot excited is an admirable way to live. It promotes growth and change, and does not deny the fear but takes it in stride, while still acknowledging that some of that frisson is excitement.

Recently, Skeezix has been singing snippets of “The Rainbow Connection,” sometimes belting it out as she hops and jumps like popcorn in a hot skillet, and sometimes softly under her breath, as she paints or builds.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I’ve heard them calling my name.

Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection—
the lovers, the dreamers and me.