Welcome,
dear Claire . . .
you are welcome to connect any time here in this place.
I rarely do anything on social media,
so I cannot help you there,
but if you come back here,
we might all get to know each other
a little better. ♥
Think of the days, months,
years that we have squandered
by living our lives by rote.
What happened to the child in me
who saw wonder in the praying mantis on the porch screen,
chased lightning bugs in summer’s dusk,
or ran joyously through rain puddles in the grass
all down the block
before everyone put fences in?
What happened to the girl in rag curlers
peering up at the sight of the aurora borealis in the night sky,
who saw the ocean waves crashing on the shore for the first time,
or who stood,
diminished by awe
at the base of an ancient redwood tree?
What happened?
Whatever happened,
I am spending what Life remains to me
enthralled by the miracles I missed
in the years between . . .
I am making magic out of the mundane . . .
like the poor woman in a fairy tale I read
years ago,
preparing the very best meal she can
for herself and her little daughter,
who won’t be eating a Christmas goose with plum pudding tomorrow.
The girl watches as her mother peels the meager vegetables for a humble stew,
and as she works,
she tells her daughter . . .
“the onions are silver,
the carrots are gold,
and the potatoes are ivory.”
Rich or poor,
I want to see the hidden beauty
buried in every day life,
every day. ♥
Mary Jean Irion’s quote says so much. “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, savor you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.”
The key to what our daily question is asking is in her first line. She’s reminding us that today is the day. She’s urging us to be aware. She urging us to appreciate and learn from it, commit to making it a good day. I realize that I had expectations for today as I was improving so much yesterday but it was a rough night and I am weary. The shackles of should have set in. Maybe I should have done this. Maybe I should have done that! Good Grief!!!
I listened to a Sounds True “Insights at the edge interview with journalist David Brooks yesterday. He was discussing his book, “How to Know a Person.” I think the book must be somewhat of an autobiography and I like how he explains things by telling stories.
In the middle of the night when I was struggling with pain, I was reminded of a story Brooks told about Mother Teresa. He said someone was asking her what she did when she had a great concern and she answered, “I pray.”
Then he asked her, “What do you say to God.”.
She said, “Oh, I say nothing. I’m silent.”
“Then what does God say to you? He countered.
“God says nothing. He’s silent, too.”
In Aramaic, the language of Jesus, the word prayer means “Be open.” so I found myself repeating to myself, “Listen to the silence.” I found myself being open and willing in that moment and I was able to fall asleep.
It’s helped me to write this. So here I am with the gift of today and I plan to make it a good one!
In my own healing process,
dear Carol Ann,
I often feel like I suffer more
the day after I’ve had a good day,
but see it as building blocks,
all heading in the direction of getting better in the end,
as long as I listen to my body,
and gently persist.
Eat, pray, and rest today,
and it will be a good day after all. ((( ♥ )))
When I attune my senses to life’s daily treasures, I am at peace, knowing that the Divine in me is working and walking with me and all I have to do is to be present and open, and allow my senses to lead me to the path and the things I have to do or not do. It encompasses all types of emotions and feelings in me allow me to be grateful for the experience and savour it.
“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, savor you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.” Mary Jean Irion
I experience the day with closer attention and deeper awareness, a slowing down to really experience what each sense brings me as my brain creates the world out of electrical impulses.
I’m sipping coffee now, enjoying the bitterness I thought tasted terrible when I was a child. I’m going to warm up the almond croissant my husband brought me from the nearby local bakery and savor its buttery flakiness and the sweetness of almond paste in the middle, the slight crunch of sliced almonds on top. I already petted my cat’s silky-soft fur and felt the rasp of his tongue as he licked my hand, then held it in his ivory teeth. Our heating system is making a slight wah-wah-wah-ing sound. I’d like it to stop but I appreciate our warm house. Birds outside are greeting the morning light with their calls. I look around and appreciate our living space with furniture I grew up with alongside pieces acquired along the way, the art we’ve hung to bring color to the walls, the warmth we’ve created that holds me on a quiet Saturday.
When I attune my senses, I view the world through a lens of goodness. My eyes open to the beauty of darkness in the winter, and my ears search for the beautiful words of those around me. My hands touch the leaves of my succulent plants, feeling their fresh coolness. My nose captures the delicious aroma of warm rice in our kitchen, and my tongue tastes the healthiness of the vegetables we eat regularly. May everyone have a happy weekend and stay warm!
I notice how many treasures there actually are and in that noticing, the energy inside of me and around me lights up and guides my day.
Starting this day with delicious coffee in my “All You Need is Love” mug 💜
I missed the monks when they came through Charlotte, and they were staying in a rec center only a few minutes from our house. I didn’t feel well that evening, so I didn’t go, hoping to catch them the next morning. They left earlier than expected and I had to work the studio all day. I’m grateful they came through our city and for the peace, love and energy they shared and continue to share on their journey. It was beautiful to see so many get out and join them. People of different backgrounds and religions coming together helps build more of what we need in this world – unity thru a simple message of peace. I will never give up my faith in humanity 🙏🏼✨☮️
Like a pirate. Or maybe like a magpie. I only know of pirates fr0m movies or books. I know of magpies from observation. Both seem to experience joy they when they look at their shiny treasures. Joy is what I experience. Peace, Love & Light.
Thanks for shiny treasures, Joseph. That gave me a laugh, and also made me think of how I might view the shiny treasures of the world when I venture out later this morning. Light is finally entering the sky here–a bit gray, but the light comes every single day with whatever shine it can bring.
Oh,
dear Joseph . . .
I love the magpies,
who are pirates as well
in their flashy outfits.
They brazenly love their lives
and all of their shiny treasures,
much like the less flamboyant relatives,
the crows. 🙂
May I also keep an eye out for shiny treasures.
I walked yesterday, 3 times around my condo complex, a half-hour. I’ve been walking most of my adult life; it’s an old friend. I love the way my muscles feel in motion, love the cold on my cheek. It feels like such a needed accomplishment when I do it. It sets the stage for a “present” day. In the rain, in the cold, I walk. My activities go better when I indulge in a walk.
You had inspired me to get out of the house and go for a walk – I drove to a nearby walking park and got to see a gator, which was awesome, haven’t seen one in awhile 🐊
You remind me,
dear Christina,
of a time in my life
when I was doing yoga regularly . . .
afterwards,
walking to work
my muscles and my body
felt like a horse,
walking in complete balance and symmetry.
It was a wonderful feeling.
Thank you for the memory. ♥
Christina, I enjoyed your post.
I too am a walker! I love how good walking makes me feel. I am not right if I don’t walk!
I like how you said walking “is an old friend”. I will remember this on my next walk. Thank you.
Enjoy your walk today. ♥️🚶♀️
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
Welcome,
dear Claire . . .
you are welcome to connect any time here in this place.
I rarely do anything on social media,
so I cannot help you there,
but if you come back here,
we might all get to know each other
a little better. ♥
Think of the days, months,
years that we have squandered
by living our lives by rote.
What happened to the child in me
who saw wonder in the praying mantis on the porch screen,
chased lightning bugs in summer’s dusk,
or ran joyously through rain puddles in the grass
all down the block
before everyone put fences in?
What happened to the girl in rag curlers
peering up at the sight of the aurora borealis in the night sky,
who saw the ocean waves crashing on the shore for the first time,
or who stood,
diminished by awe
at the base of an ancient redwood tree?
What happened?
Whatever happened,
I am spending what Life remains to me
enthralled by the miracles I missed
in the years between . . .
I am making magic out of the mundane . . .
like the poor woman in a fairy tale I read
years ago,
preparing the very best meal she can
for herself and her little daughter,
who won’t be eating a Christmas goose with plum pudding tomorrow.
The girl watches as her mother peels the meager vegetables for a humble stew,
and as she works,
she tells her daughter . . .
“the onions are silver,
the carrots are gold,
and the potatoes are ivory.”
Rich or poor,
I want to see the hidden beauty
buried in every day life,
every day. ♥
🌱☀️❤️🌱☀️✌️
Every day, every normal day is a day of our choosing. Let us be mindful of that in all regards.
Mary Jean Irion’s quote says so much. “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, savor you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.”
The key to what our daily question is asking is in her first line. She’s reminding us that today is the day. She’s urging us to be aware. She urging us to appreciate and learn from it, commit to making it a good day. I realize that I had expectations for today as I was improving so much yesterday but it was a rough night and I am weary. The shackles of should have set in. Maybe I should have done this. Maybe I should have done that! Good Grief!!!
I listened to a Sounds True “Insights at the edge interview with journalist David Brooks yesterday. He was discussing his book, “How to Know a Person.” I think the book must be somewhat of an autobiography and I like how he explains things by telling stories.
In the middle of the night when I was struggling with pain, I was reminded of a story Brooks told about Mother Teresa. He said someone was asking her what she did when she had a great concern and she answered, “I pray.”
Then he asked her, “What do you say to God.”.
She said, “Oh, I say nothing. I’m silent.”
“Then what does God say to you? He countered.
“God says nothing. He’s silent, too.”
In Aramaic, the language of Jesus, the word prayer means “Be open.” so I found myself repeating to myself, “Listen to the silence.” I found myself being open and willing in that moment and I was able to fall asleep.
It’s helped me to write this. So here I am with the gift of today and I plan to make it a good one!
Here’s a link to the David Brooks interview Hope it works: https://www.soundstrue.com/a/resources/podcast/david-brooks-perception-is-an-act-of-creation/?srsltid=AfmBOooX9I_IVLonsNXm8RfnEe7zbVYjdhhPisqcEL_zNSRL41elSGbl
A good day, night, & rest to you, Carol Ann.
Joseph, Thank you.
In my own healing process,
dear Carol Ann,
I often feel like I suffer more
the day after I’ve had a good day,
but see it as building blocks,
all heading in the direction of getting better in the end,
as long as I listen to my body,
and gently persist.
Eat, pray, and rest today,
and it will be a good day after all. ((( ♥ )))
Sparrow thank you for your wise words
When I attune my senses to life’s daily treasures, I am at peace, knowing that the Divine in me is working and walking with me and all I have to do is to be present and open, and allow my senses to lead me to the path and the things I have to do or not do. It encompasses all types of emotions and feelings in me allow me to be grateful for the experience and savour it.
“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, savor you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.” Mary Jean Irion
It is never tomorrow. It is always now.
I experience the day with closer attention and deeper awareness, a slowing down to really experience what each sense brings me as my brain creates the world out of electrical impulses.
I’m sipping coffee now, enjoying the bitterness I thought tasted terrible when I was a child. I’m going to warm up the almond croissant my husband brought me from the nearby local bakery and savor its buttery flakiness and the sweetness of almond paste in the middle, the slight crunch of sliced almonds on top. I already petted my cat’s silky-soft fur and felt the rasp of his tongue as he licked my hand, then held it in his ivory teeth. Our heating system is making a slight wah-wah-wah-ing sound. I’d like it to stop but I appreciate our warm house. Birds outside are greeting the morning light with their calls. I look around and appreciate our living space with furniture I grew up with alongside pieces acquired along the way, the art we’ve hung to bring color to the walls, the warmth we’ve created that holds me on a quiet Saturday.
What a warm and welcoming morning you have created,
dear Barb . . . ♥
When I can pay attention and slow down a bit and savor the world around me, it’s hard not to find gratitude.
The day feels more spacious.
When I attune my senses, I view the world through a lens of goodness. My eyes open to the beauty of darkness in the winter, and my ears search for the beautiful words of those around me. My hands touch the leaves of my succulent plants, feeling their fresh coolness. My nose captures the delicious aroma of warm rice in our kitchen, and my tongue tastes the healthiness of the vegetables we eat regularly. May everyone have a happy weekend and stay warm!
What a beautiful reflection,
dear Ngoc . . .
you so exquisitely capture the richness of your vision.
Thank you for sharing it with us . . . ♥
My Ngoc, my hands look for your soft long hair, and my ears desire your natural sweet voice.
I am calmer and see the awe in life. It is like adjusting a microscope. At first it is blurry and with honing in it is much clearer.
I pay attention using all 5 of my senses (which I am grateful for although hearing is starting to go a bit), and am focused on being Present.
Wishing everyone a peaceful relaxing weekend.
Prayers for ☮💗 for the World.
Yes Michele, it is good to pray for peace & love for Our World, along with all it’s beings.
I’m free from agendas and feel more relaxed.
I notice how many treasures there actually are and in that noticing, the energy inside of me and around me lights up and guides my day.
Starting this day with delicious coffee in my “All You Need is Love” mug 💜
I missed the monks when they came through Charlotte, and they were staying in a rec center only a few minutes from our house. I didn’t feel well that evening, so I didn’t go, hoping to catch them the next morning. They left earlier than expected and I had to work the studio all day. I’m grateful they came through our city and for the peace, love and energy they shared and continue to share on their journey. It was beautiful to see so many get out and join them. People of different backgrounds and religions coming together helps build more of what we need in this world – unity thru a simple message of peace. I will never give up my faith in humanity 🙏🏼✨☮️
I was just about to ask if you had seen them too. I thank you for spreading their awareness via this site though.
Sunnypatti, we often allow too many life’s treasures to pass on by from overthinking.
Like a pirate. Or maybe like a magpie. I only know of pirates fr0m movies or books. I know of magpies from observation. Both seem to experience joy they when they look at their shiny treasures. Joy is what I experience. Peace, Love & Light.
Thanks for shiny treasures, Joseph. That gave me a laugh, and also made me think of how I might view the shiny treasures of the world when I venture out later this morning. Light is finally entering the sky here–a bit gray, but the light comes every single day with whatever shine it can bring.
Oh,
dear Joseph . . .
I love the magpies,
who are pirates as well
in their flashy outfits.
They brazenly love their lives
and all of their shiny treasures,
much like the less flamboyant relatives,
the crows. 🙂
May I also keep an eye out for shiny treasures.
Funny . . .
I saw a beautiful oil painting of magpies today,
wings spread
in all of their glory. 🙂
My other tractor, the bigger one, is a 63 John Deere 3010. Six years younger that me. Equipment spans from early fifties to 2014. It all works.
That’s because you take care of your tools,
dear Joseph. 🙂
Pirates are coming to Tampa Bay soon for the annual Gasparilla Parade – https://gasparillapiratefest.com/
I am gonna check out this site, thanks Michele.
The pirate fest,
dear Michelle,
looks like a lot of fun. 🙂
I walked yesterday, 3 times around my condo complex, a half-hour. I’ve been walking most of my adult life; it’s an old friend. I love the way my muscles feel in motion, love the cold on my cheek. It feels like such a needed accomplishment when I do it. It sets the stage for a “present” day. In the rain, in the cold, I walk. My activities go better when I indulge in a walk.
You had inspired me to get out of the house and go for a walk – I drove to a nearby walking park and got to see a gator, which was awesome, haven’t seen one in awhile 🐊
You remind me,
dear Christina,
of a time in my life
when I was doing yoga regularly . . .
afterwards,
walking to work
my muscles and my body
felt like a horse,
walking in complete balance and symmetry.
It was a wonderful feeling.
Thank you for the memory. ♥
Christina, I enjoyed your post.
I too am a walker! I love how good walking makes me feel. I am not right if I don’t walk!
I like how you said walking “is an old friend”. I will remember this on my next walk. Thank you.
Enjoy your walk today. ♥️🚶♀️
Isn’t it great!!