I’ve commented before in response to other questions that my parents raised me to understand that I was very fortunate and therefore had a responsibility to help others who didn’t have my good fortune. That may be a form of gratitude compelling action. Once I saw the movie “Pay It Forward” I came to think of their teachings as a form of that concept, along with recognizing privilege and using my privilege to rebalance the systems I encounter.
I remember asking my dad, who was an old-time fiscal conservative, why he always voted yes for school bonds and levies. At one point he had served on the school board so he had a closer view of their financial needs than most voters, but that wasn’t part of his answer. He said, “Somebody voted for my school, and somebody voted for your school.” That’s gratitude compelling action. If we had more of that, we’d have a more civil society.
I voted yes for my local district’s bond/levy about two weeks ago. I don’t have children in the local schools and never have, but those children are my future doctor, nurse, pharmacist, Amtrak engineer, maintenance crew, plumber, traffic signal repairer, chef, hairdresser–everything in my life comes from the labor of others and I want them all to have education and skills they need to succeed in whatever they become.
Barb, I remember the “Pay It Forward” movie. Ngoc had an assignment for her writing class in the fall of 2023. I watched the movie along with her to help her out. I remember the social studies teacher giving his 7th graders a project on helping others. The boy’s “Pay It Forward” movement started taking shape where he did something for 3 people and 3 people did it for their 3 people making 9 only to keep multiplying by 3 spreading kindness. Unfortunately, it was a sad ending when the boy ended up getting killed.
Gratefulness leads me when someone is suffering, or when all of our worldly existence seems to run out of order into chaos and worse, it touches me deeply, reaching something deep inside and related actions like a surprise of a helpful reply, a group action, or possibly a good medicine simply appear or rise to my awareness. And fortunately, old hinderances once fixed dont really play a role any more after a long proces of letting go. In this flow, something else takes over. It just happens. When able and adequate, I would do what is possible to help, led by compassion and gratefulness towards all, especially towards those dear ones who taught me to become able to love and to be grateful,. I am deeply grateful to be here now. Thank you all.
Emilia, I love your post. It carries a simple vibe. As the old saying goes, “It doesn’t have to be rocket science.” Like I’ve said before from many of my answers and comments to other people, the western way of thinking is complicated. We have a bad habit of making things more complicated than they need to be. It’s how overthinking happens. When we look back, the answers were right there. Once long ago, Joseph made me chuckle with his humorous response along the lines of how he thought he’s a simple guy but more like a simple guy compared to the typical westerner. I’m with him there.
I do not think gratefulness has compelled me to take action in the world, rather it is who I am.. I have always been compelled to help the needy as well as have been focused on environmental causes.
It’s who I am too, Robin. I’m thinking about the influence of my parents on how I approach life and my responsibilities to others and to the planet. They raised me to understand that I was very fortunate and therefore had a responsibility to help others who didn’t have my good fortune. That may be a form of gratitude.
I have acted out of both kindness and obligation in my life,
but it wasn’t until I discovered gratefulness and presence of mind
that my generosity was born out of that influence.
Sad to say
I don’t take action out in the world . . .
I express my gratitude at home,
and to a small circle of friends,
and people I care about,
but officially
belong to no larger community.
I pour it into the gardens all summer long,
coaxing flowers out of seeds and root plants,
envisioning more than I can possibly do.
I give and trade plants,
sometimes to strangers
when a surprising opportunity is offered.
I share with gladness in my heart
because I have an abundance to share.
I spent most of my working life
in health care,
employed at a veterinary hospital,
and later in nursing homes,
but now
my usefulness has faded
along with my capabilities,
if not my desires.
I wish that I could walk with the monks for peace,
feed the sick and hungry in third world countries,
teach the poor how to survive with love and intention,
rehabilitate turtles and wounded birds.
But I guess this is the way of things as they are right now,
and I simply do the best I can
with what I have
now. ♥
Dear Sparrow, not so sure our usefulness fades until the form has diminished to the point of no return. The usefulness just changes and takes new waves like a stone tossed into a pond produces a ripple. The water appears to be moving outward in concentric circles but is actually moving up and down.
Last week I was in the grocery store and I noticed a gentleman more than once. I noticed he had stocked up on those flavored rice boxes and remembered my cheap dinners in college. God put him in line behind me. The entire time I was shopping I was so grateful for what was in my cart and wanted to hug this gentleman.
When I checked out I took a $20 out of my purse after long debate in my head how to give to this man. I turned and asked him if I could put some money toward his groceries that he reminded me of an old coach and it would mean a lot. I saw tears in one eye but when he talked I couldn’t understand him. I said it again and gave my money to the cashier. He still owed about 15 dollars. I could have paid it and wanted to but I couldn’t read him. I didn’t want to hurt his pride with on lookers so gave my money put my hand on his arm and thanked him.
I have regretted since not paying for all of it, but am grateful I gave something. It’s been so cold here and I am so greatful for my heat, shelter and food- I feel the need to share but want my help to be to people and not just the charity organizations.
I don’t doubt,
dear Deann,
the the elderly gentleman
was moved by your gesture,
whether it was $35.00
or $ 5.00.
The act of caring counts.
Everything counts. ♥
Yesterday was my birthday and my husband and I had invited kids and grandkids over for a brunch. But like busy families of today, out of 10, only 3 sent back to say they would coming. Just didn’t hear from the others at all. How were we to plan for this? We we planned for the three who let us know they would be there. (I get so tired and yes, frustrated/angry that this is a pattern, and I have to call or text multiple times to get an accurate count of how many we will be feeding) But guess what, 12 showed up! It was a loaves and fishes event…there was plenty of food (I don’t know how) and everyone was in a good mood and I was thrilled. We had a grand time and I am grateful. How does this gratitude compel me to take action in the world? Maybe to just trust more – trust in myself, in those I love, and those who believe in what can be accomplished if we all hang together.
When I am grateful for what I have, grateful for the hard working people around me, and grateful for this beautiful planet, I am inspired and encouraged to participate. To be part of the solutions and the building of things. Making things better for all of us. All of us.
Yesterday, I did my usual thing and rode my Mtn bike on trails in the large public spaces that I am so grateful to have access to. These are large swaths of natural areas that were slated for development, at one time. This was a big fight. And yesterday I was one of thousands of people that got out in that natural area and enjoyed ourselves. Everyone seemed friendlier than normal. Saying hello and chatting. This is the kind of sharing and community action that I can appreciate. Knowing that positive things come from people with a positive and creative vision. A grateful attitude.
And with all of this, the opposite is true. If you only want more, if you can’t see the good, if you are afraid of not having enough, than you are more likely to be against these things that benefit the many. You are likely to think that if someone else gets something, you will get less. As I ramble on, I realize that its scarcity verses abundance thinking.
Being out in the world, sharing with others, helps me see the abundance. And I am grateful for that.
“If you only want more, if you can’t see the good, if you are afraid of not having enough, than you are more likely to be against these things that benefit the many. You are likely to think that if someone else gets something, you will get less.”
Well said,
dear Charlie . . .
I too,
prefer not to balance the books this way. ♥
In reference to the quote of Charlies reflection : This sounds like an affliction of humankind. Some may think that this behavior was dealt with in childhood but by observing the populace living with the mind set of scarcity, it is alive and well.
Thank you for your reflection. I had just been realizing how much I lean into scarcity thinking…even just this morning. I’m looking to shift my focus and action to gratitude and abundance mentality.
I’m compelled by Truth to help other also find Truth from within . I’m grateful and humbled by the fact that I get to open a meditation center in Norway. One of over 360 some centres on every continent on the planet. This is an incredible chance to act . Right now with so many lies and all spotlights are turned on – where is Truth ?
Truth is within each one of us, but one must discard or let go of what is false and overlaps Truth. Only then can one dis-cover Truth . We live in an exciting time because we get to BECOME TRUTH and stop talking about it .
I’m very grateful and thankful for the method of letting go . Thank you universe!
What a big undertaking,
dear Antoinette!
You have been a good student,
and while you continue to learn,
you also have the privilege to teach and to share.
The Divine in me
bows to the Divine in you. ♥
I have come to the conclusion that instead of cringing when I see our leadership lie to us that I need send loving energy/prayer their way. I pray for all of us to evolve, to be willing to grow. I have medical issues that do not allow me to attend peaceful protests. I do my best to be the peace I seek in all situations. I write letters, I write poetry and share it when I think it will be helpful. I do my best to practice mindfulness and keep my own self talk bully quiet.And I practice gratefulness.
I too,
dear Carol Ann,
try to approach feelings about our ‘leadership’
with compassion and love,
but this time
it is EXTREMELY difficult.
I admire your example
and try to continue to bless them
hoping that goodness will find their hearts. ♥
Having gratitude for this life I’ve been given and the path that has been laid out before me, I was compelled to share yoga. That is my action.
And also to smile and be kind to everyone I meet 🙂
I’m more decisive. A sliver of information is enough for me to proceed. It’s a matter of learning how to read between the lines and make inferences. This protects us from different forms of danger. The most obvious example is when dark clouds come. At least, shorten walk outside to return home faster before the rain starts pouring down. This all points back to enhance intuition and trusting that I’ve talked about before on quite a few of my answers from past questions.
With humility and audacity. Those words from the ‘Word of the Day’ by Sharon Brous, I feel represent the type of energy that is needed to preserve the world and persevere with out the wanton destruction of life. Peace. Love & Light.
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I’ve commented before in response to other questions that my parents raised me to understand that I was very fortunate and therefore had a responsibility to help others who didn’t have my good fortune. That may be a form of gratitude compelling action. Once I saw the movie “Pay It Forward” I came to think of their teachings as a form of that concept, along with recognizing privilege and using my privilege to rebalance the systems I encounter.
I remember asking my dad, who was an old-time fiscal conservative, why he always voted yes for school bonds and levies. At one point he had served on the school board so he had a closer view of their financial needs than most voters, but that wasn’t part of his answer. He said, “Somebody voted for my school, and somebody voted for your school.” That’s gratitude compelling action. If we had more of that, we’d have a more civil society.
I voted yes for my local district’s bond/levy about two weeks ago. I don’t have children in the local schools and never have, but those children are my future doctor, nurse, pharmacist, Amtrak engineer, maintenance crew, plumber, traffic signal repairer, chef, hairdresser–everything in my life comes from the labor of others and I want them all to have education and skills they need to succeed in whatever they become.
Barb, I remember the “Pay It Forward” movie. Ngoc had an assignment for her writing class in the fall of 2023. I watched the movie along with her to help her out. I remember the social studies teacher giving his 7th graders a project on helping others. The boy’s “Pay It Forward” movement started taking shape where he did something for 3 people and 3 people did it for their 3 people making 9 only to keep multiplying by 3 spreading kindness. Unfortunately, it was a sad ending when the boy ended up getting killed.
Gratefulness leads me when someone is suffering, or when all of our worldly existence seems to run out of order into chaos and worse, it touches me deeply, reaching something deep inside and related actions like a surprise of a helpful reply, a group action, or possibly a good medicine simply appear or rise to my awareness. And fortunately, old hinderances once fixed dont really play a role any more after a long proces of letting go. In this flow, something else takes over. It just happens. When able and adequate, I would do what is possible to help, led by compassion and gratefulness towards all, especially towards those dear ones who taught me to become able to love and to be grateful,. I am deeply grateful to be here now. Thank you all.
It sounds to me,
dear Emilia,
like you are truly led by gratefulness.
Thank you for your reflection . . .
it gives me something to think more on. ♥
I am grateful for your reflection Emilia.
Emilia, I love your post. It carries a simple vibe. As the old saying goes, “It doesn’t have to be rocket science.” Like I’ve said before from many of my answers and comments to other people, the western way of thinking is complicated. We have a bad habit of making things more complicated than they need to be. It’s how overthinking happens. When we look back, the answers were right there. Once long ago, Joseph made me chuckle with his humorous response along the lines of how he thought he’s a simple guy but more like a simple guy compared to the typical westerner. I’m with him there.
I do not think gratefulness has compelled me to take action in the world, rather it is who I am.. I have always been compelled to help the needy as well as have been focused on environmental causes.
It’s who I am too, Robin. I’m thinking about the influence of my parents on how I approach life and my responsibilities to others and to the planet. They raised me to understand that I was very fortunate and therefore had a responsibility to help others who didn’t have my good fortune. That may be a form of gratitude.
I have acted out of both kindness and obligation in my life,
but it wasn’t until I discovered gratefulness and presence of mind
that my generosity was born out of that influence.
Sad to say
I don’t take action out in the world . . .
I express my gratitude at home,
and to a small circle of friends,
and people I care about,
but officially
belong to no larger community.
I pour it into the gardens all summer long,
coaxing flowers out of seeds and root plants,
envisioning more than I can possibly do.
I give and trade plants,
sometimes to strangers
when a surprising opportunity is offered.
I share with gladness in my heart
because I have an abundance to share.
I spent most of my working life
in health care,
employed at a veterinary hospital,
and later in nursing homes,
but now
my usefulness has faded
along with my capabilities,
if not my desires.
I wish that I could walk with the monks for peace,
feed the sick and hungry in third world countries,
teach the poor how to survive with love and intention,
rehabilitate turtles and wounded birds.
But I guess this is the way of things as they are right now,
and I simply do the best I can
with what I have
now. ♥
Dear Sparrow, not so sure our usefulness fades until the form has diminished to the point of no return. The usefulness just changes and takes new waves like a stone tossed into a pond produces a ripple. The water appears to be moving outward in concentric circles but is actually moving up and down.
Your comment,
dear Joseph,
is so inspiring to me . . .
I didn’t know that
about water and ripples. ♥
Last week I was in the grocery store and I noticed a gentleman more than once. I noticed he had stocked up on those flavored rice boxes and remembered my cheap dinners in college. God put him in line behind me. The entire time I was shopping I was so grateful for what was in my cart and wanted to hug this gentleman.
When I checked out I took a $20 out of my purse after long debate in my head how to give to this man. I turned and asked him if I could put some money toward his groceries that he reminded me of an old coach and it would mean a lot. I saw tears in one eye but when he talked I couldn’t understand him. I said it again and gave my money to the cashier. He still owed about 15 dollars. I could have paid it and wanted to but I couldn’t read him. I didn’t want to hurt his pride with on lookers so gave my money put my hand on his arm and thanked him.
I have regretted since not paying for all of it, but am grateful I gave something. It’s been so cold here and I am so greatful for my heat, shelter and food- I feel the need to share but want my help to be to people and not just the charity organizations.
I don’t doubt,
dear Deann,
the the elderly gentleman
was moved by your gesture,
whether it was $35.00
or $ 5.00.
The act of caring counts.
Everything counts. ♥
Yesterday was my birthday and my husband and I had invited kids and grandkids over for a brunch. But like busy families of today, out of 10, only 3 sent back to say they would coming. Just didn’t hear from the others at all. How were we to plan for this? We we planned for the three who let us know they would be there. (I get so tired and yes, frustrated/angry that this is a pattern, and I have to call or text multiple times to get an accurate count of how many we will be feeding) But guess what, 12 showed up! It was a loaves and fishes event…there was plenty of food (I don’t know how) and everyone was in a good mood and I was thrilled. We had a grand time and I am grateful. How does this gratitude compel me to take action in the world? Maybe to just trust more – trust in myself, in those I love, and those who believe in what can be accomplished if we all hang together.
Sounds like you had a nice anniversary of your gift of life.
Happy Birthday wishes to you!
A belated Happy Birthday,
dear Katrina . . .
all those worries for naught. ♥
Happy Birthday! Frustrations, gratitude and love all rolled into one. Glad it was a special time.
When I am grateful for what I have, grateful for the hard working people around me, and grateful for this beautiful planet, I am inspired and encouraged to participate. To be part of the solutions and the building of things. Making things better for all of us. All of us.
Yesterday, I did my usual thing and rode my Mtn bike on trails in the large public spaces that I am so grateful to have access to. These are large swaths of natural areas that were slated for development, at one time. This was a big fight. And yesterday I was one of thousands of people that got out in that natural area and enjoyed ourselves. Everyone seemed friendlier than normal. Saying hello and chatting. This is the kind of sharing and community action that I can appreciate. Knowing that positive things come from people with a positive and creative vision. A grateful attitude.
And with all of this, the opposite is true. If you only want more, if you can’t see the good, if you are afraid of not having enough, than you are more likely to be against these things that benefit the many. You are likely to think that if someone else gets something, you will get less. As I ramble on, I realize that its scarcity verses abundance thinking.
Being out in the world, sharing with others, helps me see the abundance. And I am grateful for that.
Charlie, your 3rd paragraph stands out. It makes me realize that I’ve been having an abundance mindset all this time.
“If you only want more, if you can’t see the good, if you are afraid of not having enough, than you are more likely to be against these things that benefit the many. You are likely to think that if someone else gets something, you will get less.”
Well said,
dear Charlie . . .
I too,
prefer not to balance the books this way. ♥
In reference to the quote of Charlies reflection : This sounds like an affliction of humankind. Some may think that this behavior was dealt with in childhood but by observing the populace living with the mind set of scarcity, it is alive and well.
Thank you for your reflection. I had just been realizing how much I lean into scarcity thinking…even just this morning. I’m looking to shift my focus and action to gratitude and abundance mentality.
I’m compelled by Truth to help other also find Truth from within . I’m grateful and humbled by the fact that I get to open a meditation center in Norway. One of over 360 some centres on every continent on the planet. This is an incredible chance to act . Right now with so many lies and all spotlights are turned on – where is Truth ?
Truth is within each one of us, but one must discard or let go of what is false and overlaps Truth. Only then can one dis-cover Truth . We live in an exciting time because we get to BECOME TRUTH and stop talking about it .
I’m very grateful and thankful for the method of letting go . Thank you universe!
❤️☀️
What a big undertaking,
dear Antoinette!
You have been a good student,
and while you continue to learn,
you also have the privilege to teach and to share.
The Divine in me
bows to the Divine in you. ♥
I have come to the conclusion that instead of cringing when I see our leadership lie to us that I need send loving energy/prayer their way. I pray for all of us to evolve, to be willing to grow. I have medical issues that do not allow me to attend peaceful protests. I do my best to be the peace I seek in all situations. I write letters, I write poetry and share it when I think it will be helpful. I do my best to practice mindfulness and keep my own self talk bully quiet.And I practice gratefulness.
I too,
dear Carol Ann,
try to approach feelings about our ‘leadership’
with compassion and love,
but this time
it is EXTREMELY difficult.
I admire your example
and try to continue to bless them
hoping that goodness will find their hearts. ♥
It’s so easy to look upon those leaders with disgust. Your post is humbling and I will try to follow your lead, think you for the reminder and lesson.
I am not compelled with gratefulness to act. Because I belong and I am connected, I act.
I can’t say gratefulness compels action for me, but it does give me a safe place to return to, and ongoing perspective and joy.
Having gratitude for this life I’ve been given and the path that has been laid out before me, I was compelled to share yoga. That is my action.
And also to smile and be kind to everyone I meet 🙂
It sounds,
dear SunnyPatti,
like yoga
has been built into your DNA,
and if I’m not mistaken
you are very successful
at what you do.
Namaste
I’m more decisive. A sliver of information is enough for me to proceed. It’s a matter of learning how to read between the lines and make inferences. This protects us from different forms of danger. The most obvious example is when dark clouds come. At least, shorten walk outside to return home faster before the rain starts pouring down. This all points back to enhance intuition and trusting that I’ve talked about before on quite a few of my answers from past questions.
Stop. Look. Go.
Mindfulness
With humility and audacity. Those words from the ‘Word of the Day’ by Sharon Brous, I feel represent the type of energy that is needed to preserve the world and persevere with out the wanton destruction of life. Peace. Love & Light.
I think so too,
dear Joseph,
with a little Mindfulness thrown in. ♥
Yes this quote really got me.