Readers of African Zen have asked me why I wrote the book. At first, my answer was not clear. I spoke of my desire to uplift others and to help them to see that there is joy in the world. I still want those things for all people, but I realize that I have no control over the upliftment or hopefulness of others. I can however attempt to change myself. I read a poignant quote from Rumi this morning. “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” I now realize that the book, African Zen, was a way for me to change my own thinking and to know myself more intimately.