To speak with dear friends as well as being in nature anchors about what troubles and might widen perspective again in times of difficulties or storms. Wishing all who share and visit here a lovely day to come.
I have never been fully tethered to the realities of my culture,
and sometimes
feel like a lonely bird on a dark sea . . .
my thoughts
have always wandered to far away places
inside of my head.
I don’t fit into the molds that our society creates for us . . .
I can play the part for a short time,
but I can’t be the part.
For me
it’s not real and I don’t trust it.
What keeps my life anchored
has always been Nature,
and even then,
my connection is sometimes tenuous at best.
It is very hard for me to imagine the absolute cruelty that exists in the world,
and how it is born into existence . . .
also,
greed
and the ‘need’ for things,
the need always,
for more . . .
lust for power
at the expense of others’ peace.
For these things
I find solace in my gardens,
and have also found it on the ocean shores . . .
in solitude with the birds
and the wind
and the smell of the earth.
For my personal storms,
for my personal grief
sometimes
this is not enough
and I rock myself and die a little bit,
inconsolable by anything and anyone . . .
I suffer alone,
unable to trust
that anything or anyone
can help me to carry it.
I know why,
but I have not yet
been able to heal from it . . .
yet.
It is very hard for me to ask for help.
I am feeling some ambivalence over posting an answer.
This is a good question for me, though, because it brings to mind
the extent to which I do not feel well anchored.
And answering from a place where I feel I am lacking will do what for me?
Bring me down?
Bring those who are reading this down?
Bring me into a place where I can work on building up my anchors?
Most likely, all the above.
It occurs to me that this may not be the place for me to open up
about my insecurities, doubts, and feelings of inadequacy.
I usually feel that at least some of you may identify with my reflections,
but I have to wonder if I am entering into a space of just being too much.
I really could answer the Daily Questions
by coming up with positive answers and just leaving it there.
And that may be better for my psyche.
And that may be the best answer for me.
Well that probably means that I should delete this answer.
I am just being real, but do I really need to write it just because I think it?
So these are some of the thoughts I am having.
I am also thinking that it might be time for me to move on from this format.
Or maybe that is not the answer at all. 🤷♀️
I truly might need to move in the direction of being more positive,
as I do think that my answers may reflect a low grade depression that I am in.
Just thinking about these things. 😝😧🤔
Sending love and peace to all, as I do love all of you in this group,
and yes I am truly grateful for all of you here, and for the grateful.org site.
Mary. ♥️
Mary, I always look forward to reading your posts, and I do not think of them as being more negative than other people’s. I see your posts, like so many of our posts, as reflecting the ups and downs of our mental states and lives. I would really miss you if you left this forum– you are so very personal and caring with so many of us and have so many helpful insights in your posts. Sending love ♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much Elizabeth. I thought that I probably was pretty negative.
I just try to answer the questions fully and truthfully.
I can be pretty hard on myself though, so I need to remember that
and be gentle with myself in my answers.
I feel very affirmed after reading your post to me, Elizabeth.
Thank you.
For what it’s worth, I have often thought I am being “too much” and have deleted responses. I appreciate your realness and am definitely not the only one 🙂 Life happens, and it’s not always butterflies and rainbows, but sharing in a safe space can, perhaps, help one reconnect to the light within.
Peace and love to you as well!
Thank you so much SunnyPatti.
We definitely have a few things in common.
I frequently feel like I’m being a bit much.
An hour or two after my post above I had decided to delete it
and went to do so, but Joseph and Antoinette had already responded
and were so kind in their responses, that I decided to leave it up.
I always love reading your responses, SunnyPatti, and have never thought you were too much.
When you have spoken of difficulties with family members
I felt like I got to know you better and appreciated your sharing things that you have dealt with,
and continue to deal with in your life. That is real sharing.
Thank you again, SunnyPatti. 🌷
I can relate to what you are expressing. I feel this is a safe space. When an answer is too deep, or muddled to make sense, I just read other posts and let it relax me.
I agree with you, Yram, that this is indeed a safe place.
I also agree that if a question becomes too intense or confusing,
that just relaxing into reading what others have posted is best. ♥️
Life must be life dear Mary. As Sparrow wrote below . . .”None of us feels at the top of our game and confident all the time” You speak your truth as only you can. Thank you for your daily reflections.
Mary being honest is the way! Let go of
Feeling like you need to prove anything to anyone. It’s so wonderful to say how we feel and be able to let it go not matter what it is or feels like .
Thank you for being you and showing how you feel . Hugs
You are real,
dear Mary,
and need to be real to be true to yourself . . .
if you are feeling low
it is better to say it
instead of pretending.
We come here for honesty,
from ourselves and each other.
Your thoughts are all valid
and all belong here.
None of us feel at the top of our game
and confident
all of the time . . .
we are fluid in our thoughts and feelings
and you are being real
by expressing them.
I know I look for your posts every day
and look forward to your very unique perspective
and I think everyone else here
probably feels the same way.
Never think you are not loved . . . ♥
This is timely.
I didn’t want to get up this a.m. I have no pressing event to fill the day. Then I thought that my morning routine of coming to this site and reading the responses and connecting in the lounge brightens me up. So I got out of bed.
My Sunday bike ride has been a constant through many storms. And of course it’s not just the bike riding , but the hanging out with friends and checking in and being out in nature. The other thing has been music. And again, it’s more than just the music, but the time spent with others. And the thing that seems important, is that these things are like some sort of bedrock that is always there, no matter what is going on in my life. They are on the schedule and unless I’m ill or injured, I am going to do them regardless. I am so grateful to have had this constant (mostly) companion through my life.
I hope all of you are having a peaceful Sunday 🙏
My meditation practice and reading the words of saints, sages, and other wise souls. And now I am also learning to use a gratefulness practice to anchor my life.
The word “anchor” also makes me think of the John Lewis quote that my husband has picked out for his sign for the Good Trouble rally/rallies in our town (and across the USA) this Thursday: “Anchor the eternity of love in your own soul.”
My belief that life is trustworthy. My loving neighbors. Two very good friends. This website and the people who share here and the practices and programs offered by the staff. A dear cousin who offers a secular ritual meeting once monthly.
God, certainly. I also try to separate the storm from my reaction to the storm, to try to gain some perspective. Not looking too far ahead also helps. Then, I ride it out as best as I can.
Since Ngoc returned home more perminantly, my life is in the clear. Presence and trusting the lord ankor me. Presence is the greatest form of preparation. God is always there and has my best interest at heart even if I may not always see it in the moment. Not everything is meant to be like that. This all circles right back to being present, keeping things simple, and getting straight to the point.
I just came in from feeding the barn cats. The setting moon in the southwest with small translucent clouds filling the space between. The soon to be rising sun in the northeast with the same type of clouds along with colors filling the space between. The sound of water falling over a weir seeking its level. Namaste.
My practice. Pausing and coming back to my breath. Sitting quietly, breathing, meditating. And a deep inner knowing that everything is going to be okay. Storms do not last forever.
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My family and friends
To speak with dear friends as well as being in nature anchors about what troubles and might widen perspective again in times of difficulties or storms. Wishing all who share and visit here a lovely day to come.
I have never been fully tethered to the realities of my culture,
and sometimes
feel like a lonely bird on a dark sea . . .
my thoughts
have always wandered to far away places
inside of my head.
I don’t fit into the molds that our society creates for us . . .
I can play the part for a short time,
but I can’t be the part.
For me
it’s not real and I don’t trust it.
What keeps my life anchored
has always been Nature,
and even then,
my connection is sometimes tenuous at best.
It is very hard for me to imagine the absolute cruelty that exists in the world,
and how it is born into existence . . .
also,
greed
and the ‘need’ for things,
the need always,
for more . . .
lust for power
at the expense of others’ peace.
For these things
I find solace in my gardens,
and have also found it on the ocean shores . . .
in solitude with the birds
and the wind
and the smell of the earth.
For my personal storms,
for my personal grief
sometimes
this is not enough
and I rock myself and die a little bit,
inconsolable by anything and anyone . . .
I suffer alone,
unable to trust
that anything or anyone
can help me to carry it.
I know why,
but I have not yet
been able to heal from it . . .
yet.
It is very hard for me to ask for help.
Asking for help has always been one of my nemesis, dear Sparrow.
Thank you,
dear Joseph . . . ♥
Meditation
Antoinette, I did one about compassion on Soothing Pod this morning. The lady talked about how having compassion for others increases our resiliency.
I am feeling some ambivalence over posting an answer.
This is a good question for me, though, because it brings to mind
the extent to which I do not feel well anchored.
And answering from a place where I feel I am lacking will do what for me?
Bring me down?
Bring those who are reading this down?
Bring me into a place where I can work on building up my anchors?
Most likely, all the above.
It occurs to me that this may not be the place for me to open up
about my insecurities, doubts, and feelings of inadequacy.
I usually feel that at least some of you may identify with my reflections,
but I have to wonder if I am entering into a space of just being too much.
I really could answer the Daily Questions
by coming up with positive answers and just leaving it there.
And that may be better for my psyche.
And that may be the best answer for me.
Well that probably means that I should delete this answer.
I am just being real, but do I really need to write it just because I think it?
So these are some of the thoughts I am having.
I am also thinking that it might be time for me to move on from this format.
Or maybe that is not the answer at all. 🤷♀️
I truly might need to move in the direction of being more positive,
as I do think that my answers may reflect a low grade depression that I am in.
Just thinking about these things. 😝😧🤔
Sending love and peace to all, as I do love all of you in this group,
and yes I am truly grateful for all of you here, and for the grateful.org site.
Mary. ♥️
Mary, I always look forward to reading your posts, and I do not think of them as being more negative than other people’s. I see your posts, like so many of our posts, as reflecting the ups and downs of our mental states and lives. I would really miss you if you left this forum– you are so very personal and caring with so many of us and have so many helpful insights in your posts. Sending love ♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much Elizabeth. I thought that I probably was pretty negative.
I just try to answer the questions fully and truthfully.
I can be pretty hard on myself though, so I need to remember that
and be gentle with myself in my answers.
I feel very affirmed after reading your post to me, Elizabeth.
Thank you.
For what it’s worth, I have often thought I am being “too much” and have deleted responses. I appreciate your realness and am definitely not the only one 🙂 Life happens, and it’s not always butterflies and rainbows, but sharing in a safe space can, perhaps, help one reconnect to the light within.
Peace and love to you as well!
Thank you so much SunnyPatti.
We definitely have a few things in common.
I frequently feel like I’m being a bit much.
An hour or two after my post above I had decided to delete it
and went to do so, but Joseph and Antoinette had already responded
and were so kind in their responses, that I decided to leave it up.
I always love reading your responses, SunnyPatti, and have never thought you were too much.
When you have spoken of difficulties with family members
I felt like I got to know you better and appreciated your sharing things that you have dealt with,
and continue to deal with in your life. That is real sharing.
Thank you again, SunnyPatti. 🌷
I can relate to what you are expressing. I feel this is a safe space. When an answer is too deep, or muddled to make sense, I just read other posts and let it relax me.
I agree with you, Yram, that this is indeed a safe place.
I also agree that if a question becomes too intense or confusing,
that just relaxing into reading what others have posted is best. ♥️
Life must be life dear Mary. As Sparrow wrote below . . .”None of us feels at the top of our game and confident all the time” You speak your truth as only you can. Thank you for your daily reflections.
Thank you, Joseph.
Always a kind word from you.
You warm my heart. 🥰
Mary being honest is the way! Let go of
Feeling like you need to prove anything to anyone. It’s so wonderful to say how we feel and be able to let it go not matter what it is or feels like .
Thank you for being you and showing how you feel . Hugs
Thank you, dear Antoinette.
You are always encouraging
and I appreciate you.
🌷🌷🌷
Mary that is so kind of you. Thank you so much. ☺️ I appreciate that so much . Hugs 🤗
You are real,
dear Mary,
and need to be real to be true to yourself . . .
if you are feeling low
it is better to say it
instead of pretending.
We come here for honesty,
from ourselves and each other.
Your thoughts are all valid
and all belong here.
None of us feel at the top of our game
and confident
all of the time . . .
we are fluid in our thoughts and feelings
and you are being real
by expressing them.
I know I look for your posts every day
and look forward to your very unique perspective
and I think everyone else here
probably feels the same way.
Never think you are not loved . . . ♥
Thank you dear Sparrow.
I always feel seen and appreciated by you.
And I feel your love coming through you.
Sending much love to you.
♥️♥️♥️
This is timely.
I didn’t want to get up this a.m. I have no pressing event to fill the day. Then I thought that my morning routine of coming to this site and reading the responses and connecting in the lounge brightens me up. So I got out of bed.
I too,
am always eager to come here,
dear Yram,
when I get out of bed in the morning. 🙂
🥰
Time in nature
Rest
Exercise
Connecting with loved ones or friends
My Sunday bike ride has been a constant through many storms. And of course it’s not just the bike riding , but the hanging out with friends and checking in and being out in nature. The other thing has been music. And again, it’s more than just the music, but the time spent with others. And the thing that seems important, is that these things are like some sort of bedrock that is always there, no matter what is going on in my life. They are on the schedule and unless I’m ill or injured, I am going to do them regardless. I am so grateful to have had this constant (mostly) companion through my life.
I hope all of you are having a peaceful Sunday 🙏
Same to you Charlie, thanks.
My meditation practice and reading the words of saints, sages, and other wise souls. And now I am also learning to use a gratefulness practice to anchor my life.
The word “anchor” also makes me think of the John Lewis quote that my husband has picked out for his sign for the Good Trouble rally/rallies in our town (and across the USA) this Thursday: “Anchor the eternity of love in your own soul.”
Beautiful, Elizabeth.
Thank you,
dear Elizabeth,
for letting us know about the Good Trouble rally . . . ♥
Gratefulness is grounding – a worthy anchor
Thank you,
dear Michele,
for putting some things into perspective for me.
I sort of got myself out there. ♥
My belief that life is trustworthy. My loving neighbors. Two very good friends. This website and the people who share here and the practices and programs offered by the staff. A dear cousin who offers a secular ritual meeting once monthly.
Richard Rohr’s meditation today addresses holy darkness: https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-gift-of-darkness/
I needed to read this today, Carol.
Thank you! 🥰
Mary, I needed Rohr’s words today, too. Depression has been ringing my doorbell most days recently.
Sending love to you, dear Carol.
♥️♥️♥️
God, certainly. I also try to separate the storm from my reaction to the storm, to try to gain some perspective. Not looking too far ahead also helps. Then, I ride it out as best as I can.
So wise, Laura. Thank you.
Since Ngoc returned home more perminantly, my life is in the clear. Presence and trusting the lord ankor me. Presence is the greatest form of preparation. God is always there and has my best interest at heart even if I may not always see it in the moment. Not everything is meant to be like that. This all circles right back to being present, keeping things simple, and getting straight to the point.
Yes, Loc, Being present, and keeping things simple.
I just came in from feeding the barn cats. The setting moon in the southwest with small translucent clouds filling the space between. The soon to be rising sun in the northeast with the same type of clouds along with colors filling the space between. The sound of water falling over a weir seeking its level. Namaste.
. . . a good,
strong anchor,
dear Joseph. ♥
Darkness and Light…side by side.
My practice. Pausing and coming back to my breath. Sitting quietly, breathing, meditating. And a deep inner knowing that everything is going to be okay. Storms do not last forever.