Words cannot begin to express the horror and sadness from the incomprehensible December 14 shooting in Connecticut. There is no leadership insight or management strategy that will let grieving parents hug their lost children again. The best we can do is to figure out what this terrible event, and others like it can teach us.

One lesson demanding attention from my head and heart the past few days is the importance of mindfulness. Mindfulness means being present in the moment, fully aware of the beauty and wonder that we so often call "ordinary." It means fully experiencing and expressing the love and gratitude we feel in any moment. I'm sure this tragedy caused millions of us to hold our our loved ones a little tighter that night and better appreciate the people who enrich our lives, like teachers, administrators, friends and neighbors.

A mindful perspective won't often prevent tragedy. Yet, the knowledge that others know how much we cherish them is a powerful source of comfort.

How mindful are you of the angels in your life?