Reflections

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  1. sparrow51014
    sparrow
    3 weeks ago

    The first thing that came to mind
    when I read today’s Question
    was this line from a song . . .
    “sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe…”

    That is the feeling invoked in me
    when I think of the best things.
    When I am in my deepest contentment,
    it is almost my mantra . . .
    The air sustains me
    and is still free to every living being.
    There may come a time
    when the natural air in our world
    becomes so polluted
    that we will have to buy fresh air,
    but for now
    it is free . . .
    I can lie in the grass
    watching the clouds go by in a blue sky,
    smelling rich, dark earth,
    listening to insects and birds,
    and breathe in the air
    as much and as deeply as I desire.
    To breathe
    is the best of things.
    Ask anyone with asthma or COPD. ♥

  2. Barb C
    Barb C
    3 weeks ago

    One last thought before bed: We could include these simple things in our personal metrics, as James Crews writes in this poem after quoting Robin Wall Kimmerer:

    “What if our metrics for well-being included birdsong, the crescendo

    of crickets on a summer evening, and neighbors calling to each other

    across the road?”

    —Robin Wall Kimmerer
    https://mailchi.mp/de95ea9477df/weekly-pause-metrics?e=4660b7819e

    1. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      3 weeks ago

      Thanks for the quote and the link…such a powerful poem!

    2. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      3 weeks ago

      Oh, Amen, Barb. Thank you.🩷

  3. Elizabeth H67151
    Elizabeth H
    3 weeks ago

    I think that just remembering that statement that “the best things in life are free” will help me to notice and savor them more today.

  4. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    3 weeks ago

    Notice it and take it all in!

  5. Barb C
    Barb C
    3 weeks ago

    Slow down. Pay attention. Rest in the noticing moment.

  6. pkr29022
    pkr
    3 weeks ago

    I can savor all the freebies in life by staying in the present moment & relish these gifts. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude at all times for all the gifts the Divine has bestowed upon me is a must in my life.
    I am thankful for all. I am blessed.🙏🏻
    🕊️&🩵

  7. Mary
    Mary
    3 weeks ago

    I can savor all that is free to me by being aware and living in the moment.
    It’s all about noticing and experiencing life through my senses.
    I’d also like to begin meditating.
    Wishing joy and gratefulness to all on this lovely Saturday. ☀️✨

  8. Richard51934
    Richard
    3 weeks ago

    Just be quiet and listen.

    1. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      3 weeks ago

      Ahhhhhhhhh.🩷

  9. Avril
    Avril
    3 weeks ago

    The paradox of today’s question, I’m headed to an amusement park, Dollywood, with the youngest two and my hubby. It’s not free, it’s noisy and boisterous. But, I’m grateful we can go. It’s an opportunity to practice breeding anchored the simplicity of breathing while waiting on lines in the heat and seeing the inherent divinity and dignity in all the park goers. Let’s see how I do! What a great experiment.

    1. D
      Deann
      3 weeks ago

      Get the cinnamon bread!!! Eat it hot and take one to go!!!!! We went once and found everyone nice- I mean it’s named after Dolly, everyone seemed to have a great attitude.

    2. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      3 weeks ago

      It IS a great experience r, Avril. Fully being with what is. 🩷

    3. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      3 weeks ago

      I’d love to hear how this plays out for you,
      dear Avril.
      It is a great
      (and challenging)
      experiment. ♥

    4. Mary
      Mary
      3 weeks ago

      “… seeing the inherent divinity and dignity in all the park goers.”
      Love this, Avril. There was a time that I tried to focus this a lot.
      I used to do it in grocery stores.
      It’s harder in social situations
      because I get distracted by conversation and forget.
      But seeing the goodness and godliness
      in those I know and those I meet
      makes for beautiful connections.
      Just as in meditation and living consciously,
      I can always come back to this when I remember.
      Thank you Avril. .

  10. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    3 weeks ago

    Be kind and be grateful.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      3 weeks ago

      Simply said,
      and well put,
      dear Carol. ♥

  11. Patti
    sunnypatti
    3 weeks ago

    Stay aware and breathe it all in.

  12. Yram
    Yram
    3 weeks ago

    To stay in the moment and be aware. To use all my senses to savor.

  13. Michele
    Michele
    3 weeks ago

    Get up and go out and walk!
    Enjoy the weekend everyone 🙂
    https://nationaltoday.com/national-recommit-to-your-fitness-day/

  14. Mary
    Mary Mantei
    3 weeks ago

    Like each of you, my life can get filled with things I want to do, as well as obligations I choose to fulfill. Sometimes, I really yearn for blocks of time or days with no commitments. Yet when I create that time, I can feel restless, and start looking for ways to fill it. What I really want to become better at is savoring that time. Be aware and be intentional regarding how I will be with that free gift. Maybe today’s Word of the Day is a way to begin those precious times. “Breathe and say thank you.”🩷

    1. Avril
      Avril
      3 weeks ago

      I also yearn for more unstructured time.

      1. Mary
        Mary Mantei
        3 weeks ago

        I understand that desire, Avril. I think it was Carol, who a few days back, included these words in her post; “designing my life to my liking”. I wrote them down as a reminder. Just a reminder, knowing I can incorporate those words perhaps more than I do.

  15. S R
    S R
    3 weeks ago

    What was yesterday’s quote? Need your help

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      3 weeks ago

      Yesterday’s “Word”,
      dear S R,
      was . . .
      The weight of our darkness, stress, and anxiety can sometimes overpower us—but in our heavy moments, it’s crucial to remember that our worthiness remains intact, even when we falter.
      — Alex Elle

      1. S R
        S R
        3 weeks ago

        Thanks very much..

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