Reflections

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  1. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    1 month ago

    I am not quite ready for winter yet, it has been rather chilly out the past few days and breezy. I really enjoyed a long hike over the week-end though with bright blue skies and soft white clouds in the sky and pretty fall colors around the pond. There is an eco system bog board walk trail that is really neat. Sometimes you can’t make it to the end due to some of it being under water but this time we could get to the end which over sees the pond. Was definitely a treat!

  2. R
    Rachel Cecil
    1 month ago

    I feel less anxious and more joyful. I have more patience with my son and am reminded to slow down and enjoy the moment with him. This phase is so fleeting and everyday is a gift.

  3. aly alva
    ladybug
    1 month ago

    When I attune my senses to what everyday life has to give I become much more grateful for the little things. And I’m less anxious and in the moment. Everyday is a new adventure.

  4. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    1 month ago

    I just returned from my daily walk. It is quite windy and leaves were blowing all around me and creating a carpet on everyone’s lawn. I waved to passing cars and folks waved back. I only new one of them! I saw the garbage truck in the distance and thought, ‘We have so much trash. Progress that created plastic, removed old fashion milk and pop bottles, introduced more plastic with snack packs, etc. etc.’ I prayed for my son as I walked. They had to change one of his new medications yesterday. I prayed that he will have wisdom in health and acceptance of his current circumstances. I managed to walk 10 blocks today. Takes me a lot longer than it use to but that is something I have to accept. My joy, my sorrow, it’s all composed of life’s daily treasures. Shakespeare’s King Lear says, “When we are born we cry because we are brought into a world of fools.” Yes, we are all wounded in some way that’s why we need each other.
    Found Richard Rohr’s daily meditation helpful as the U.S. presidential election is upon us.
    https://cac.org/daily-meditations/change-through-relationship/

    1. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      1 month ago

      Carol, thank you for this timely, (perhaps always timely) piece from Valerie. The posture she describes is where I want to live, and boy, can I slip out it fast some days. All the best to you, Carol, and your son.

    2. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      Thank you for sharing these words from Richard Rohr’s interview with Valarie Kaur, Carol! Valarie’s writings are a big source of hope and guidance for me in these dark times, and I am encouraged to hear that the Center for Contemplation and Action is uplifting her work and wisdom.

  5. pkr29022
    pkr
    1 month ago

    I am present and am able to immerse myself in gratefulness. I can acknowledge how blessed I truly am.

  6. Patti
    sunnypatti
    1 month ago

    I notice more and it slows the chatter in my mind. There’s this big park around the corner from us with a trail that goes around a lake. It’s lined with trees, and the color that’s happening is so beautiful. Growing up on the coast of SC, there’s not a whole lot of fall color. Funny how different it is just 4 hours north! There are bursts of yellow, orange, red, and purple, and the colors are so vibrant! I love it!

  7. Yram
    Yram
    1 month ago

    As I sit here in the comfort of my chair and home, the blustery winds are moving the trees and flags. Very few birds have visited the bird bath. A thought came to mind, maybe in the hassle of life, it’s good to hunker down and be present.

  8. L
    Lauryn
    1 month ago

    As someone else mentioned, some of these questions do get a bit repetitive, but I think that’s ok, because in doing so they reinforce important ideas like presence, mindfulness, slowing down, appreciating the little things in life — concepts that can be difficult to remember when we’re engaged in our daily lives.

    I’ve mentioned on here several times about how I take a walk to the lake near my house each morning – always observing – noticing what’s different from the previous day… observing sounds, colors, smells…and soaking in the sunshine.

    This ritual prepares me for the day ahead. It’s truly something I look forward to each day. I’ve recently been struggling mentally and emotionally, making this time spent alone each morning even that more important to me.

  9. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    1 month ago

    When I can start my day giving thanks for the basics in my life and looking around with gratitude,
    It makes me more aware of the world around me, outside of my head and self centered thoughts.
    It opens me up to look outward.

  10. Elizabeth H67151
    Elizabeth H
    1 month ago

    I am more able to be in the present moment, less off in my head thinking about the past or future, more content.

  11. L
    Loc Tran
    1 month ago

    I’m able to see the benefits of traditional values more clearly. Conservatism helps me control ambition preventing me from taking on responsibilities beyond my capacity. Allowing our ideas to run like wild animals is the last thing we need.

  12. Nannette
    Nannette
    1 month ago

    Each day brings something new…a change in weather, more birds or less birds at the feeder…The leaves are falling now and some trees are bare- but we still have some brilliant color. Last night I ended my day with anxiety…worrying about a visit to the cardiology dept. today. I had blood work yesterday and some results were upsetting to me…but I am not an expert in this area…so I will wait and pray. Some days start with a spring in my step…happy and joyful and others a bit distressed…BUT! I am grateful to be able to see another day…always grateful. I take in a breath of clean air and look around and know that it is a good day. Blessings my friends.

    1. Michele
      Michele
      1 month ago

      Here is a helpful lab test site, used to be labtestsonline but has changed to https://www.testing.com/

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      Thank you, dear Nanette.

    3. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      1 month ago

      I hope your visit with your doctor went well. It seems like you have been doing all the right things.

    4. C
      Carly J
      1 month ago

      Saying a prayer for today’s doctors visit. You reminded me of my mom who says she wakes up in the morning and her first words are “Yippee”. She’s so grateful for another day. ♥️

    5. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      1 month ago

      Nannette, I hear you. Joy and sorrow–we can’t have one without the other! Hopefully your doctor can explain your blood work and ease your mind. Big hug coming your way.

    6. Yram
      Yram
      1 month ago

      You will get answers and be guided.

    7. Patti
      sunnypatti
      1 month ago

      I pray your visit goes well today.

  13. Jenifer
    Jenifer
    1 month ago

    I am able to be fully present and more loving.

  14. Mary
    Mary Mantei
    1 month ago

    When I attune my senses to life’s daily treasures, I feel part of the treasures. I feel like a broken record, but is comes back to being present to my surroundings. And when I am present, my experience of the day is richer, I likely smile more, I slow down or it seems like it anyway.

    Some days, I feel as though the questions are repetitive. However, what I have begun to notice, when I feel that way about the questions and think about them, and answer them, ways of being are reinforced. Presence is the first example that comes to mind. Does anyone else feel this way?

    1. Michele
      Michele
      1 month ago

      I agree too. I like when there is a fun question that pops along sometimes.

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      Yes

    3. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      1 month ago

      Yes

    4. Yram
      Yram
      1 month ago

      I am glad you posted that observation. I don’t feel alone in thinking that. The second or third or fourth time it is posed, I am in a new place and the observation is different. So in some ways the reflection is fresh.

      1. Mary
        Mary Mantei
        1 month ago

        That has become my realization over time, Yram. Thank you for your viewpoint.

    5. Charlie T
      Charlie T
      1 month ago

      Yes, I notice this too. But, I treat this like a practice and repetition can be part of that.
      Reinforcing patterns that I want to encourage in myself. And, I understand that there are people behind the scenes that have to come up with 365 questions a year.
      That’s quite a task! 😁

      1. Mary
        Mary Mantei
        1 month ago

        Amen, Charlie. Did you know we each have the opportunity to submit questions if we choose? Now I have to go back and see where I read that! Stay tuned.

    6. L
      Lauryn
      1 month ago

      Absolutely.

    7. Josie
      Josie
      1 month ago

      I also notice the repetitive nature of some daily questions, Mary. However, I always find something new in your & others’ reflections.

      1. Mary
        Mary Mantei
        1 month ago

        Well that is it, Josie, it is not all about me!😉 This conversation with so many has been so good.

    8. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      Yes Mary. Well said. It’s the same thing I’d say. You got to the keyboard faster.

  15. Liza
    Liza
    1 month ago

    I feel the blessings and gratitude. It’s energizing.

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