I am chewing a piece of gum. It is minty and helping my dry mouth feel better. I noticed that I am sitting in my office, just me and my dog and I was kind of going to town chomping on the gum. Noticing this chomping helped me understand that I am feeling nervous. Nervous about our country and feeling an impulse to say something or do something to create change. My heart is beating fast, and my body feels energized as if there is a call to action. My fight/flight/freeze/fawn system is activated and wanting to defend.
Yesterday, I was driving on the freeway, and I noticed a vehicle going slower than the flow of traffic, and it appeared to be a policeman. I followed along in the second lane to the left. I became curious about the markings, so I pulled up alongside the car and realized it was an NSA vehicle. The man driving the car was alone and doing something on his phone. He seemed oblivious to what he was doing to the traffic behind him. His head was down, driving, looking at his phone. It seemed like such a profound metaphor. I was using sight, and I was feeling astounded. I was also feeling stunned and confused. But at the bottom was anger. He was oblivious and seemingly unconcerned with social norms. He did not seem to care that he was driving, and he did not seem to care that driving and playing with your phone could be dangerous. He was old enough to know better. I felt like the only thing he was concerned about was his self. I did not know if he was driving somewhere to ruin someone’s life who does not have as many privileges as he does.
. . just a funny little thing I wrote awhile ago . . .
it’s like sitting up late, late at night when the house is quiet,
like when the sounds of the refrigerator
start to sound like something else. 🙂
It’s mostly about the sense of hearing.
There is a magic window in my studio . . .
from where I sit,
I can look out of it over my shoulder and see trees,
both Douglas firs and Norway maples,
different at every time of the year,
right now,
just showing tinges of autumn,
butter yellow and a lick of orange.
The windowsill is lined with empty bottles . . .
cobalt, and turquoise,
and sky blue . . .
in the middle
is an electric candle
that I keep burning throughout the day
and all through the night,
a lavender rabbit,
and a silk orchid in a slender,
green vase.
There is also a bird cage filled with English ivy
hanging from the window frame,
and an ancient macrame valance
topping things off.
I don’t know where the magic comes from . . .
maybe the presence of the burning candle,
which I placed there to invite all that is good,
maybe from the plant,
or maybe from those blue bottles,
or from the interior of my own head,
but something
lets me hear things.
Sometimes I hear music
when there is no music,
and sometimes
I hear the distant voices of people talking
when there are no people nearby,
or “The President’s” Marine band playing.
Sometimes I hear rain
when it is not raining,
waves from the ocean crashing,
when there is no ocean within miles,
wind
when it is not blowing,
and even the softest sound of snow falling,
even in the summer.
I don’t know where this magic comes from.
and I don’t question it anymore . . .
perhaps it is the music of the spheres . . .
wherever it comes from
I trust it brings all good things.
I love using the word gift to describe the many things that I am grateful for.
Yesterday, Joseph described the current day as -the gift of another day.
That’s when I thought, gift, yes, today is a gift.
My tea is a gift, as is the cup I use to drink it.
Now today’s question asks about the gifts that our senses offer to us.
The gifts, actual gifts.
The scent of coffee, the sound of my cat’s voices as they let me know they want food.
The image of light streaming through my window, the warmth of my robe as I pull it tight.
Using the word gift reminds me that everything I’m grateful for,
and the many things that I don’t even think about being grateful for,
are gifts.
So very many gifts.
Using this word reinforces my gratefulness.
May we all feel gratefulness, joy, and contentment, for the many gifts of this day.
🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁
Vision- this morning I went for a walk on Narragansett bay beach and saw there had to be over 100 swans! It was amazing.
They seemed to be feeding on seaweed or something. Was a beautiful site on a sunny chilly winter day!
the pleasure of taste of food while we had a potluck of lots of different and very delicious veggi prepared by our group, and it was such fun and joy during the meeting, honoring and enjoying each of the well chosen and so well tasting of which has been brought along. We had a beautiful and still productive meeting, it was a wonderful event and the gift of the offered food was inspiring the gift of having had the chance to experiencing this evening all together.
The sense of touch gives me the warmth of the cat on my legs and the silky softness of his fur. I also have the warmth of our house and my comfy robe and plushy blanket. A very relaxing way to start a Saturday.
I know the question asks for one but I have others to enjoy. The sound of my husband dropping something in the sink and laughingly calling himself “Fumbleina”, the sound of warm air coming in through the floor registers, the whir of the coffee grinder as he gets ready to make a fresh batch.
The sight of the cat’s grizzled brown-gray stripes and the long dark stripe down his spine. Earlier he leaned into my scritching hand under his chin, eyes closed in pleasure. He has such cute little white paws; one of his nicknames is Mr. Cute Boots.
Soon I’ll feel my body moving in yoga and test my balance (which is one of our senses), then enjoy a delicious breakfast. Last night we went to an Assyrian restaurant and enjoyed the most wonderful dishes with spices and perfect cooking. This morning I may make a recipe I recently discovered https://www.themediterraneandish.com/cilbir-turkish-poached-eggs/.
Thank you Gratefulness team for inviting us to tune into our senses with this question.
Came back to say that if this recipe sounds good to you, you should definitely make it! Delicious. I served it on sourdough toast made with bread I bought at the neighborhood bakery yesterday.
I listened to a silence and sound meditation after yoga, a perfect way to continue this attention to my senses, before making breakfast.
Touch… the warm cup on my cold fingers.
Sound… now quiet but a few minutes ago, laughter from a visiting friend.
Taste.. various tastes, tanginess of the lemon, the sweetness of the honey, the pleasant taste of cherry tea.
Smell…. the lingering of bacon
Sight….. the blooming amaryllis and Christmas cactus.
Joseph, as a kid growing up on our farm, we often had what my parents’ called “side pork” for breakfast. Is that the same as fresh side? It too was uncured.
The gift of taste. I am enjoying a warm cup of coffee with cinnamon & munching on my multi-grain toast. My morning ritual, toast & coffee….Mmmm. ☕️
The gift of hearing. Listening to morning classical music on the radio. My radio is tuned to the classical music station all day, it’s my constant companion. I am thankful I can hear it & enjoy it.
Happy Saturday to All….❤️
PKR, I’ve put cinnamon in my coffee every so often thanks to having it that way in a Southwestern restaurant with my sister many years ago. We loved it so much we ended up completely caffeinated late at night–still a memory I treasure.
More recently Sunnypatti mentioned having hers with cinnamon and cayenne. I’ve been doing that with the tiniest pinch of cayenne. The combination with the heat and the spice is fantastic.
All of my senses are affected right now! I have bronchitis–lots of coughing, sneezing, ear aches, sore throat and stuffy nose! My body is requesting lots of rest. It’s humbling to realize how much harder this is on my body in my 80’s. I am gifted with medication, the concern of my son and loving friends who picked up my meds for me and check to see if I need anything daily. I have missed you all as I have not been participating this week but give thanks that I feel strong enough to be here today. Sending loving energy to you all.
It sounds like you are taking good care of yourself and giving your body what it needs.
My body always speaks up, and demands that I rest, when I have been pushing too hard.
Be well, dear Carol. ♥️
The gift of sight as I read my book this morning and tear up as a finish yet another emotional and eye opening chapter. My ability to touch my electronics as I type this to y’all and send my gratitude list to my AA group. My sense of taste as I have a delicious breakfast and the smell of my warm coffee. Hearing my pollito chicken ask for food, I am grateful for all my senses 🧡
Drea, the heater broke down in my house a couple weeks ago. My parents called a Vietnamese plumber they know. The guy came and got it fixed by lunch. By the time I returned home from my 2-5pm Menards piano shift that Wednesday, the house was back to being warm as usual.
It really does make a difference whether the heater is working or not, doesn’t it? I used to live in a really drafty, thin-walled home, and over time the drafts wear one down. It taught me to appreciate thick walls and warm rooms.
Hearing has helped me with my piano career. It’s how I’m able to learn contemporary music. Those close to me have told me that I have amazing perfect pitch.
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.
I am chewing a piece of gum. It is minty and helping my dry mouth feel better. I noticed that I am sitting in my office, just me and my dog and I was kind of going to town chomping on the gum. Noticing this chomping helped me understand that I am feeling nervous. Nervous about our country and feeling an impulse to say something or do something to create change. My heart is beating fast, and my body feels energized as if there is a call to action. My fight/flight/freeze/fawn system is activated and wanting to defend.
Yesterday, I was driving on the freeway, and I noticed a vehicle going slower than the flow of traffic, and it appeared to be a policeman. I followed along in the second lane to the left. I became curious about the markings, so I pulled up alongside the car and realized it was an NSA vehicle. The man driving the car was alone and doing something on his phone. He seemed oblivious to what he was doing to the traffic behind him. His head was down, driving, looking at his phone. It seemed like such a profound metaphor. I was using sight, and I was feeling astounded. I was also feeling stunned and confused. But at the bottom was anger. He was oblivious and seemingly unconcerned with social norms. He did not seem to care that he was driving, and he did not seem to care that driving and playing with your phone could be dangerous. He was old enough to know better. I felt like the only thing he was concerned about was his self. I did not know if he was driving somewhere to ruin someone’s life who does not have as many privileges as he does.
Is it possible,
dear Suzanne,
that he was driving a Tesla?
One of those “self driving “ cars?
No, it was a Ford Explorer.
That is disturbing witnessing that I am sure!
. . just a funny little thing I wrote awhile ago . . .
it’s like sitting up late, late at night when the house is quiet,
like when the sounds of the refrigerator
start to sound like something else. 🙂
It’s mostly about the sense of hearing.
There is a magic window in my studio . . .
from where I sit,
I can look out of it over my shoulder and see trees,
both Douglas firs and Norway maples,
different at every time of the year,
right now,
just showing tinges of autumn,
butter yellow and a lick of orange.
The windowsill is lined with empty bottles . . .
cobalt, and turquoise,
and sky blue . . .
in the middle
is an electric candle
that I keep burning throughout the day
and all through the night,
a lavender rabbit,
and a silk orchid in a slender,
green vase.
There is also a bird cage filled with English ivy
hanging from the window frame,
and an ancient macrame valance
topping things off.
I don’t know where the magic comes from . . .
maybe the presence of the burning candle,
which I placed there to invite all that is good,
maybe from the plant,
or maybe from those blue bottles,
or from the interior of my own head,
but something
lets me hear things.
Sometimes I hear music
when there is no music,
and sometimes
I hear the distant voices of people talking
when there are no people nearby,
or “The President’s” Marine band playing.
Sometimes I hear rain
when it is not raining,
waves from the ocean crashing,
when there is no ocean within miles,
wind
when it is not blowing,
and even the softest sound of snow falling,
even in the summer.
I don’t know where this magic comes from.
and I don’t question it anymore . . .
perhaps it is the music of the spheres . . .
wherever it comes from
I trust it brings all good things.
This is beautiful, Sparrow.
🙏
My sense is telling me
That it’s late and past my bedtime. Sleep and rest are necessary. Sleep well all .
I love using the word gift to describe the many things that I am grateful for.
Yesterday, Joseph described the current day as -the gift of another day.
That’s when I thought, gift, yes, today is a gift.
My tea is a gift, as is the cup I use to drink it.
Now today’s question asks about the gifts that our senses offer to us.
The gifts, actual gifts.
The scent of coffee, the sound of my cat’s voices as they let me know they want food.
The image of light streaming through my window, the warmth of my robe as I pull it tight.
Using the word gift reminds me that everything I’m grateful for,
and the many things that I don’t even think about being grateful for,
are gifts.
So very many gifts.
Using this word reinforces my gratefulness.
May we all feel gratefulness, joy, and contentment, for the many gifts of this day.
🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁
Working for a Tissue Bank I become so accustomed to the term ‘Gift of Life’… another gift 🙂
Absolutely, Michelle.
In your work you must be especially conscious that life is a gift.
thank you, Mary. Your reflection has made me smile and enjoy…. and that’s received as yet another gift!!
love the 🎁🎁’s
Vision- this morning I went for a walk on Narragansett bay beach and saw there had to be over 100 swans! It was amazing.
They seemed to be feeding on seaweed or something. Was a beautiful site on a sunny chilly winter day!
How gorgeous!
Like a treasure waiting to be seen.
What a sight that must have been,
dear Robin Ann! ♥️
One I should probably stop abusing
Hope you find this site helpful Guau
Do you want to stop,
dear Travis?
the pleasure of taste of food while we had a potluck of lots of different and very delicious veggi prepared by our group, and it was such fun and joy during the meeting, honoring and enjoying each of the well chosen and so well tasting of which has been brought along. We had a beautiful and still productive meeting, it was a wonderful event and the gift of the offered food was inspiring the gift of having had the chance to experiencing this evening all together.
The sense of touch gives me the warmth of the cat on my legs and the silky softness of his fur. I also have the warmth of our house and my comfy robe and plushy blanket. A very relaxing way to start a Saturday.
I know the question asks for one but I have others to enjoy. The sound of my husband dropping something in the sink and laughingly calling himself “Fumbleina”, the sound of warm air coming in through the floor registers, the whir of the coffee grinder as he gets ready to make a fresh batch.
The sight of the cat’s grizzled brown-gray stripes and the long dark stripe down his spine. Earlier he leaned into my scritching hand under his chin, eyes closed in pleasure. He has such cute little white paws; one of his nicknames is Mr. Cute Boots.
Soon I’ll feel my body moving in yoga and test my balance (which is one of our senses), then enjoy a delicious breakfast. Last night we went to an Assyrian restaurant and enjoyed the most wonderful dishes with spices and perfect cooking. This morning I may make a recipe I recently discovered https://www.themediterraneandish.com/cilbir-turkish-poached-eggs/.
Thank you Gratefulness team for inviting us to tune into our senses with this question.
Barb, these eggs look incredible. Bookmarking the recipe.
Came back to say that if this recipe sounds good to you, you should definitely make it! Delicious. I served it on sourdough toast made with bread I bought at the neighborhood bakery yesterday.
I listened to a silence and sound meditation after yoga, a perfect way to continue this attention to my senses, before making breakfast.
I just clicked the link, and it sounds delicious. I’m going to have to try it soon!
Thanks, Barb!
Touch… the warm cup on my cold fingers.
Sound… now quiet but a few minutes ago, laughter from a visiting friend.
Taste.. various tastes, tanginess of the lemon, the sweetness of the honey, the pleasant taste of cherry tea.
Smell…. the lingering of bacon
Sight….. the blooming amaryllis and Christmas cactus.
Bacon……. uncured and called fresh side just as good, Yram.
Joseph, as a kid growing up on our farm, we often had what my parents’ called “side pork” for breakfast. Is that the same as fresh side? It too was uncured.
Yes, I believe so. Uncut they call it pork belly.
Can I come over now?
I really want to taste that cherry tea with honey and lemon!🫖
You are welcomed anytime!
The gift of taste. I am enjoying a warm cup of coffee with cinnamon & munching on my multi-grain toast. My morning ritual, toast & coffee….Mmmm. ☕️
The gift of hearing. Listening to morning classical music on the radio. My radio is tuned to the classical music station all day, it’s my constant companion. I am thankful I can hear it & enjoy it.
Happy Saturday to All….❤️
PKR, I’ve put cinnamon in my coffee every so often thanks to having it that way in a Southwestern restaurant with my sister many years ago. We loved it so much we ended up completely caffeinated late at night–still a memory I treasure.
More recently Sunnypatti mentioned having hers with cinnamon and cayenne. I’ve been doing that with the tiniest pinch of cayenne. The combination with the heat and the spice is fantastic.
I am drinking Maud’s Cinnamon Roll flavored coffee this morning-delicious. I will have to try the cinnamon and cayenne next…
It’s a great combination! That hint of spice is perfect with the cinnamon.
All of my senses are affected right now! I have bronchitis–lots of coughing, sneezing, ear aches, sore throat and stuffy nose! My body is requesting lots of rest. It’s humbling to realize how much harder this is on my body in my 80’s. I am gifted with medication, the concern of my son and loving friends who picked up my meds for me and check to see if I need anything daily. I have missed you all as I have not been participating this week but give thanks that I feel strong enough to be here today. Sending loving energy to you all.
Hope u feel better soon!
I hope you feel better soon, Carol.
Bronchitis is no fun… hope you continue feeling better.
I hope you can turn the corner soon, Carol. I’ve missed your posts.
Our senses don’t always deliver the warm and fuzzy do they, Carol? Godspeed on your healing journey. Good to “see” you today.🩷
Wishing you a speedy recovery and healing energy your way Carol:) Feel better!
And loving energy to you and my lovely wife Cheryl, she is experiencing much the same.
so good you are back today!! I am sure the community will be watching for you, Carol.
It sounds like you are taking good care of yourself and giving your body what it needs.
My body always speaks up, and demands that I rest, when I have been pushing too hard.
Be well, dear Carol. ♥️
Sending you love dear Carol. Lighting a candle.
May you be completely well soon, dear Carol, my best wishes for your recovery. 🌸☀️
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been unwell,
dear Carol . . .
listen to your body
(and to those who love you),
and get the rest you need. ♥
Oh dear! I hope you get to feeling better soon, Carol. Ugh.
I am happy to hear there are angels close by!
Dear Carol, sending you a hug & get well wishes. Sounds like you are on the road to recovery. Prayers for you ….🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
🤗❤️
The gift of sight as I read my book this morning and tear up as a finish yet another emotional and eye opening chapter. My ability to touch my electronics as I type this to y’all and send my gratitude list to my AA group. My sense of taste as I have a delicious breakfast and the smell of my warm coffee. Hearing my pollito chicken ask for food, I am grateful for all my senses 🧡
Pollito’s……a bit early for them in this neck of the woods dear Jenifer!
Amen, dear Jenifer
My sense of touch as it relates to temperature. It really is the perfect temperature in my living room. I’m savoring that.
Drea, the heater broke down in my house a couple weeks ago. My parents called a Vietnamese plumber they know. The guy came and got it fixed by lunch. By the time I returned home from my 2-5pm Menards piano shift that Wednesday, the house was back to being warm as usual.
It really does make a difference whether the heater is working or not, doesn’t it? I used to live in a really drafty, thin-walled home, and over time the drafts wear one down. It taught me to appreciate thick walls and warm rooms.
I’m thankful for my vision so I can see the sunshine beautifully over my office window. Have a nice weekend, everyone! 🔆
My Ngoc, just like with me seeing your long hair and how beautiful you are.
Hearing has helped me with my piano career. It’s how I’m able to learn contemporary music. Those close to me have told me that I have amazing perfect pitch.