Sylvia Boorstein writes in Mindful (a new magazine that shows lots of promise) about e-mail:

Every e-mail I receive from my friend and colleague Donald Rothberg starts with a blessing. “May this message find you in health and happiness” is a typical beginning, or “May this day, your first at home after this last long period of teaching, be one of ease and rest.” Sometimes it is a generic blessing; often it is a particular wish. Then he continues with the business of the e-mail: “About that meeting tomorrow…”

I first noticed Donald’s style convention about a year ago, not long after he’d told me about his other e-mail practice. “As I sit at my computer answering my mail,” he said, “I pause before I open each one. I take a breath, and make the intention, ‘May I open this e-mail and respond for the benefit of myself and for all beings.’ Then I read the message and respond.” I haven’t taken up that practice yet, but I think of it often, especially at those times when I realize I’ve done too much e-mailing, too fast.