Reflections

Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment.

  1. L
    Louise
    6 days ago

    I have been getting a lot of flat tires on my dear old bike. The mechanic I took it to (at a non-profit student run shop) told me “don’t ever come back here with that bike” and told me to get a new one. I am so attached to it that I ignored him, but here I am on my third flat tire in about five trips. So I think I have to listen to him now. At first, I was mad at him for being so abrupt, but now I am feeling grateful that he helps people in our community get back on their bikes no matter their income and he teaches the students how to fix bikes too. It’s a really good place to have and I should just get over this one comment he made to me 😂

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      6 days ago

      Just because you are getting flat tires,
      dear Louise,
      doesn’t seem to me
      to mean you need a new bike.
      Maybe you’re picking up nails
      or broken glass or something
      in the places where you are riding (?) ♥

      1. L
        Louise
        6 days ago

        Yah I thought that too, but no I go many different directions and it gets flat every single time.

        1. Joseph
          Joseph McCann
          6 days ago

          Flat tires are a drag on any wheeled transportation. Even wheelbarrows! May the flat gods leave you be for a bit, Louise.

  2. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    7 days ago

    I went to a new church with my son today. Mind you he has not gone to church in years unless for a funeral or wedding except for once with me about 2 yrs ago. He told me that his Fiance found this church and he thought I would like it. Their mission is to be welcoming to all. Wow, it was amazing! Very upbeat, friendly and the homily was profound. Although it is a 30 min drive for me, to just sometimes go to Mass with them is huge. He asked me right off the bat if I was happy. No doubt!! However it was more important that he found it brought him meaning and peace of mnd in which I am so grateful 💖✨

  3. sparrow51014
    sparrow
    7 days ago

    While weeding
    and edging up my walkway for winter,
    the rain from the latest nor-easter
    spoiled my carefully laid plans
    and upended my self-assigned schedule.
    I’ve been trying very hard
    in various ways
    to be more productive
    and to make better use of my time,
    but the weather did not cooperate,
    and I belatedly realized
    that I no longer even own a raincoat.

    My first thought
    was to stick my finger in the weather’s eye
    and get my revenge
    by not doing anything at all
    even though there was plenty to do inside the house.
    But as I calmed down and thought about it
    I was reminded that by doing this
    that I would only be hurting myself.

    Years ago,
    my Eastern philosophy professor,
    a soft-spoken Chinese man,
    had to pass out the final exam to us
    and send the class home with it
    because the school was going to be unexpectedly closed for four days.
    His parting words to us
    as we filed out of the room
    were,
    “You can cheat on this exam if you want,
    but you will only be cheating yourself.”
    I don’t know how many students cheated,
    but I know I didn’t–
    not after those auspicious words.

    I sat a few minutes
    as the rain pounded on the windows
    and changed the way I was looking at my resentment.
    I realized it was nothing personal . . .
    the rain wasn’t here to ruin my plans,
    so I looked at the day another way
    and tidied up my studio instead,
    feeling just as accomplished as I would have
    if I had worked in the garden.

    So I did not cheat the weather
    and also
    did not cheat myself.
    It was a much better end of the day.
    This thinking
    has also stood me in good stead
    in other situations . . .
    nothing done against me is personal anyway,
    so I am learning,
    slowly but surely,
    that if nothing is personal
    there is nothing to get upset about,
    and nobody gets cheated.

    I practiced two lessons that day . . .
    changing my perspective with gratitude
    can change my day,
    and don’t cheat. ♥

    1. Antoinette88615
      Antoinette
      6 days ago

      Lovey Sparrow ! ☺️

    2. D
      Drea
      6 days ago

      There must have been some cosmic humor in the belated realization that you no longer own a raincoat.

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        6 days ago

        There was . . .
        I had to laugh and roll my eyes
        when I realized
        I was without a raincoat,
        dear Drea. 🙂

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      7 days ago

      “. . . and don’t cheat.” Words of wisdom, dear Sparrow, that many do not adhere to.

  4. Antoinette88615
    Antoinette
    1 week ago

    I hope it’s OK if I add my blog post.
    The reason being is I’m grateful due to the universe and I could not have done it without the support- method to let go . Thank you so much .

    The Essence of 100% Truth, Reality, and the Origin: Nature’s Flow
    The origin is the source of everything. It is the undying, unchanging, ever-living existence from which everything originates. This is the foundation of truth, the essence of reality, the wisdom of the universe, and the flow of nature.
    Truth is not found in names. It is found in what is real.
    We are witnessing wars, geopolitical tensions, environmental destruction, and powerful technologies changing our world. Beneath all of this lies a fundamental question:
    Are we living in alignment with truth, or are we allowing our beliefs, fears, anger, and greed to determine what we accept as truth?
    What Is Reality?
    Reality is simply what exists or happens, regardless of what we believe or understand. Rain falls whether we acknowledge it or not. Actions have consequences whether we recognize them or not.
    Searching for truth means testing claims against reality and what actually happens, rather than accepting them as true simply because they are stated with confidence.
    If we are to understand 100% truth, we must look to the origin: the undying, unchanging, ever-living foundation of existence. This is the wisdom expressed through nature’s flow. Truth, reality, the origin, and the wisdom of the universe point to the same underlying foundation.
    What Does Nature’s Flow Show Us?
    Nature shows us that everything we do has consequences. When our actions are driven by greed, anger, fear, and the desire for power, we create suffering, division, and destruction.
    Look at the world today. Wars continue, societies become divided, and the environment suffers. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence challenges us to examine what intelligence means and how we use it.
    These realities call us to look within ourselves. We cannot create lasting change in the world while refusing to acknowledge what needs to change within us.
    The responsibility begins with each of us.
    What Prevents Us from Seeing Truth?
    Often, we are so attached to what we believe that we never stop to question it. Fear, anger, pride, greed, and the need to be right can prevent us from seeing reality clearly. We cling to familiar ways of thinking and doing things without examining whether they are true.
    We may even mistake a name, a tradition, or a label for truth itself.
    But truth does not exist in names. Calling something true does not make it true. No name or label can replace the need to examine our own thoughts, words, and actions against reality.
    To recognize truth, we must be willing to let go of what prevents us from seeing it.
    We All Have a Responsibility to Become Truth
    Truth is not something we simply claim to follow. It must be reflected in how we live.
    Every human being has truth within them, but it can be covered by accumulated thoughts, beliefs, fears, anger, greed, and other destructive patterns. To uncover that truth, we must be willing to examine ourselves honestly and discard what is false and harmful.
    This is where accountability begins.
    Accountability means taking responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions and honestly facing their consequences. We cannot blame someone else for what we choose to think, say, or do.
    Meditation provides a way to reflect on ourselves: What am I holding in my mind? What is driving my actions? Am I acting in alignment with truth, or am I allowing fear, anger, pride, and greed to guide me?
    For six years, I have practiced a meditation method that helps me recognize these patterns within myself. It brings accountability into everyday life, making it a practice rather than merely an idea.
    This process can be understood as true repentance: recognizing what is wrong within ourselves, letting it go, and changing how we live.
    Who else can take responsibility for my thoughts, words, and actions if not me?
    What Does It Mean to Become Truth?
    Becoming truth means more than saying the right words or claiming to know the truth. It means uncovering the truth within ourselves and allowing it to guide our thoughts, words, and deeds.
    We must begin in the present moment.
    Do not mistake a name for truth. Do not assume that following a particular religion, teaching, or tradition automatically makes you truthful. Look at what you are becoming through the way you live.
    Are your actions creating greater understanding, balance, and responsibility? Or are they driven by the same destructive patterns that contribute to suffering and division?
    The change begins within each of us. Through meditation, honest reflection, and a willingness to let go of what is false, we can begin to bring our lives into alignment with truth.
    The Time to Begin Is Now
    Imagine what could happen if more people became willing to face reality honestly, let go of destructive impulses, and take responsibility for their actions.
    The world cannot move toward greater balance if we continue to defend the very patterns that create imbalance. The changes we seek must begin with the choices we make in our own lives.
    I invite you to try this meditation method for yourself. Look within. Examine what you hold in your mind. Be willing to recognize and discard what prevents you from living in alignment with truth.
    If what you follow does not bring your life into alignment with reality, question it.
    If your actions do not reflect the truth you claim to follow, change them.
    Do not hide behind fear, anger, greed, or a name. Take responsibility. Uncover the truth within you and begin to live it.
    Truth is the foundation. Reality shows us what is. Nature’s flow reveals the consequences of our actions. Our responsibility is to uncover the truth within ourselves and become truth through the way we live.
    The time to begin is now.

    1. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      7 days ago

      Thank you Antoinette for that essay. Much to ponder.

      1. Antoinette88615
        Antoinette
        6 days ago

        Thank you for reeding Joseph . Please give comments and or feedback. I appreciate it ! Thank you ☺️

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      Thank you,
      dear Antoinette,
      for posting this blog reflection here . . .
      now I understand more
      about the things you are learning
      and how you are growing
      spiritually.
      You write about it very clearly. ♥.

      1. Antoinette88615
        Antoinette
        7 days ago

        Thanks Sparrow . I’m grateful for having a clear method to becoming truth . It’s not always easy of course I struggle just like everyone else.

        1. sparrow51014
          sparrow
          7 days ago

          ((( ♥ )))

  5. D
    Drea
    1 week ago

    Last week, I hit an emotional wall with my two-month-long, consistent stomach ache. I felt helpless, depressed, and sought others’ guidance for answers. I wasn’t eating enough in an attempt to stave off pain. Weakness and pain seemed to define who I was, as well as represent the horizon of what could be.

    In the next two days, I finally saw the right doctor and received the needed tests. Turns out I have a disruptive condition, but not threatening. I arrived home with the same stomach ache (it’ll take time and medicine to ease up), but feeling empowered, strong. I no longer identified as sick and weak. I was willing and able to eat more.

    Same person, same stomach ache, two totally different identities: sick person vs. healthy person with a stomach condition. The different felt like night and day, but the only change was the relief of receiving treatment and promising lab results. I am, of course, deeply grateful that this is nothing serious. But the whole experience opened my eyes to how conditional my identity became once I was worn down by chronic pain.

    In the future, should something like this happen again, I’d like to practice love and gratefulness in a way that I’m less dependent on external results. Hard, but I know others do it.

    Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Sunday.

    1. Patti
      sunnypatti
      6 days ago

      What a relief for you, even if you are still dealing with it. You are not your illness, but a “healthy person with a stomach condition.” May the new information and medicine continue to help you heal 🙏🏼

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Sunnypatti.

    2. Michele
      Michele
      6 days ago

      Wishing you a speedy recovery and continued healing.

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Michele.

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      7 days ago

      Thank you Drea & glad you have encountered a physician that administered the correct test. May you heal now with the the help of medicine.

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Joseph.

    4. pkr29022
      pkr
      7 days ago

      Drea, so great to hear your good news.
      Happy you have a new perspective & are relieved.
      You are empowered. ❤️

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you PKR.

    5. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      7 days ago

      So happy to hear you found a Doctor that knew what was going on. Thank Goodness! 🙏

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Robin Ann.

    6. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      Hope
      makes all the difference in the world,
      doesn’t it,
      dear Drea?
      I am happy for you,
      not only that you have found some validation,
      but also some hope
      and a change of how you are seeing it.
      What a relief! ♥

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Sparrow.

    7. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      7 days ago

      Drea, Your post brings me joy. I’m happy for you because you found hope. For me, because your phrase:( “Same person, same stomach ache, two totally different identities: sick person vs. healthy person with a stomach condition.” )was an eye-opener! I know it will be extremely helpful to me in the weeks to come.

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Carol, I know your surgery is sooner rather than later. Hope the wait is pleasant as it can possibly be.

        1. Carol Ann Conner
          Carol Ann Conner
          6 days ago

          🙂

    8. Antoinette88615
      Antoinette
      1 week ago

      Wow Drea ! I love this because as you know I suffer from chronic migraines. I was in the hospital for four days and got home last Thursday. I didn’t want to write that I was there because I’m not looking for attention because of chronic pain. What I found works is seeing the perspective of Truth . This body is subject to death and decay. There is no way to avoid it. But what is permanent? The origin which is Truth loves forever. So now I’m using the method to accept whatever comes up and use the meditation method to let it go. I have to stop fighting migraines because it’s giving the illusion ess full – power . So now it’s time to test this for real . I am so happy you feel better dear . Hugs 🤗

      1. D
        Drea
        6 days ago

        Thank you Antoinette. Your perspective is really helpful. Of course the body is subject to death, decay, malfunction, all of it–I am not entitled to a pain-free existence or a perfect body, as if such a thing exists. The first instinct is to solve or fight the pain, but you’re right, we can only accept, all the better to be able to tune into universal love.

    9. Barb C
      Barb C
      1 week ago

      That’s such a powerful story, Drea. Same person, same stomach ache, new viewpoint.

  6. D
    Deann
    1 week ago

    I worked with and under a person that seems to live for drama. She also seems to to channel her unhappiness into the fault of other people. Sitting next to her daily at work was exhausting, especially when I was the recipient of her temper. I learned throughout the day to be grateful of my ability to handle my hard with grace and not take it out on people. Instead of being upset with her I changed my perspective and saw her as someone stuck. I also ended up putting in my notice and doing a career change that will allow me to make more of a difference in other people’s lives.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      If you don’t carry the poison
      there’s no where for it to go
      except back on herself,
      dear Deann,
      which I am sure
      makes her very uncomfortable.

      I’m grateful you are taking care of yourself
      and able to help
      where it will be appreciated and used. ♥

    2. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Good for you, Deann. I think people like your former colleague need to emotionally regulate themselves on other people, they calm down by spreading the poison that fills them up inside. I’m so glad you got out of that situation.

  7. L
    Loc Tran
    1 week ago

    It was Tampa when I was able to receive protective care even though my strengths lie more under autonomous. I can be a part of collectivism. Paw Mu is right about not going alone. The systems are different. I can thrive under her collective system despite my strengths are found under my autonomous. Her system keeps me from stat-patting which is my way of talking about chasing basic desires such as autonomy. Business ventures are just extras.

  8. Ose
    Ose
    1 week ago

    The most touching moment where I was and am deeply grateful for was when a dear friend and as well other dear hearts who gave good advice offered deep listening and opened up for deep understanding of my despair so that it was possible to shift perspectives. It opened to keep faith and hope and it was deeply touching. I cannot express how deeply grateful I am for this has happened and hopfully opened a closed door in myself also to do whatever is required to change. Thank you dearly and thank you to life itself for this. 🙇‍♀️🙏🙇‍♀️

  9. Ngoc Nguyen
    Ngoc Nguyen
    1 week ago

    I have always wanted a pet dog or cat badly, and honestly, I’m quite upset with my current family since none of them like having an animal in their house. However, as I occasionally travel, it is definitely challenging looking for a pet sitter. Or think of if I had a service animal; I have seen friends and bloggers facing difficulty bringing them into some public places even though US law aims to protect service animal handlers. While thinking about the inconvenience of having a furry friend can’t erase my desire of having one, at least I’m grateful for some goods as I don’t have them.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      As someone
      who has always had animals in my life,
      dear Ngoc,
      I am deeply sorry for this situation you are in . . .
      and have no answers.
      Changing your perspective helps,
      but doesn’t bring your heart’s desire.
      I can only say
      that “maybe one day”.
      In the meantime,
      love the animals you come in contact with . ♥

    2. D
      Deann
      1 week ago

      Our local humane society has volunteers that love and play with the cats and dog walkers or sitters that hang with the dogs in a fenced in yard. Also rescues sometimes need people to help with adopt a thons. Maybe volunteering would help fill that void?

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        7 days ago

        What an excellent idea,
        dear Deann . . .
        there are also fostering programs
        but these might not work in Ngoc’s situation. ♥

  10. Mary
    M2
    1 week ago

    I have a wonderful sister who likes to be in charge and in the know. There are times when I can let it irritate me. Notice I said, « when I can let it ». As of late, I have been seeing the value of her desire more deeply, seeing her operating from a stance of caring rather than being in charge. This perspective softens my heart and allows my appreciation for her to shift. As the main character in the movie « Frozen » sings, « Let it go »!

    1. L
      Loc Tran
      7 days ago

      Mary Mantei, you’re echoing the same sentiment as me. We have a strong desire for autonomy. Care and control look similar.

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      You are seeing the other side of the coin,
      dear M2,
      which is a very simple way
      to handle situations like this . . .
      I will think of this more often
      when I feel I am stuck in a stalemate
      between my comfort
      and that of someone else’s.
      Namaste . . . ♥

      1. L
        Loc Tran
        7 days ago

        Sparrow, I’ve struggled with that too as someone with a strong desire for autonomy before until Angela let me know the darker side to that not too long ago from a fellowship group voice chat.

  11. Michele
    Michele
    1 week ago

    Pretty much any time reading the news anymore with all the wars and protests going on. I am grateful for where I live and any moment of peace I have.
    Wishing a peaceful Sunday to everyone.

  12. Joseph
    Joseph McCann
    1 week ago

    The current rainfall. Agua es Vida. And at times death and destruction of humankinds markings on the world. Some people have labeled humankinds dwellings as unnatural to the landscape. Can a home created by one species, be more unnatural than that of another species? All are adaptations to the world which has many elements that cause complications and challenges to life. Every beings dwellings provide shelter and safety, until they do not. I am grateful that so far the dam upstream has kept the bulk of the flows in its space. That space has about one half left.
    Peace, Love & Light.

    1. L
      Loc Tran
      7 days ago

      Joseph, the Twin Cities will see rain over the next 2 days.

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      Yes,
      dear Josepph . . .
      you are right.
      Water
      is a double-edged sword,
      and doesn’t always appear
      where it is needed the most.
      I feel awful
      for the people in the images on the news
      whose homes for years
      are suddenly swept away by too much water,
      and pray
      that yours won’t be one of them.
      Be safe. ♥

      1. Joseph
        Joseph McCann
        7 days ago

        Thank You.

    3. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      I was watching the news about the flooding in Farmington & Pagosa Springs, among other places. Stay safe and hope that much-needed water doesn’t overflow in your direction.

      1. Joseph
        Joseph McCann
        7 days ago

        Pagosa Springs is just due west of our place on the west side of the great divide. Many spots along the South Fork of the Rio Grande and along the mainstem of the Rio Grande and some along the Conejos River have experienced some flooding. Nothing to the extent of the flooding along the San Juan River, which begins just on the other side of the divide. So far so good right here.

  13. Carla
    Carla
    1 week ago

    (This seems like a repeat question 😉 ) I’m currently working on my relationships with two older brothers. Each pushing towards 80 in their own egotistical way. I recently had a positive, fun and life changing event in my life. I had hoped for a supportive acknowledgment from each of them. Yes that expectation burned me. Each is more emotionally sick and unavailable than I thought. I’m shifting and reducing my expectation of them; and having a simple gratitude that they each are still alive.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      . . . a change in perspective,
      dear Carla,
      that if carried out,
      will save you a lot of pain and disappointment.
      I’m sure that your brothers
      love you in their own way. ♥

    2. Barb C
      Barb C
      1 week ago

      We do have some repeats. When I have that feeling I try to come up with a question or two I can suggest.

    3. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      That sounds painful, Carla. I have experienced similar from my family. I’m glad to hear you had a positive, fun and life-changing event–that sounds like a big deal in the best way.

  14. EJP
    EJP
    1 week ago

    Choosing to be grateful in all experiences shifts my perspective to a higher level, opens my heart and soul to all possibilities and understandings.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      7 days ago

      You
      and every thing you post,
      dear EJP,
      is always full of wisdom for me.
      The Divine in me
      bows to the Divine in you.
      May you be blessed. ♥

  15. Misty96862
    Misty
    1 week ago

    In my case, it’s a slight change in perspective which reminded me to be grateful – speaking with my longest friend, who lives far away. We have a lot in common, but different pathways in the last decade, which reminds me to be more appreciative of things in my life.
    I get caught up in the complex detail, which can never be perfect, and miss out on stepping back to appreciate the bigger picture, in which the fundamental things are actually surprisingly simple.

Subscribe to Grateful Living

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Customize your subscription