Right now! As I am learning new strategies for better health I am trying to meditate (A), and meditate outdoors (B) when I can. Texas heat is a bear! And some days getting outside after early mornings is just “unbearable”. Fortunately, today there is a strong breeze, so my husband, my dog and I are all enjoying some peaceful moments on our back porch. I am grateful for the back yard garden we have cultivated – the colors, the variety of plants, the birdhouses and feeders that draw the birds in, hummingbird feeders and pollinators that attract the bees, butterflies, dragonflies. And mornings and evenings we have bunnies that treat our chihuahua to a good chase around the yard. It is a sacred and holy place for us. In fact we call it Grace Place.
I walked outside this morning and saw our drought-tolerant yard thriving. The native grass is green and sprouting seeds, the lavender is humungous, and I saw a kind of bee I’d never seen before. We’re in a historical drought, and can only water twice a week–and the garden loves it! I’m grateful that I had an aversion to non-native grass in the desert and didn’t go that route in the first place.
Nature is such a gift to all! I feel grateful every moment I take the time to notice that I am enmeshed in it. Last night walking my dog at midnight and looking up at the glittering sky, this morning as I go out to sip my tea and watch the sun peak over the neighbors roof. The trick is taking the time to notice!
I am not only grateful for its beauty and the sense of wonder it inspires, but am grateful that it is there for all, a free beautiful, awe-inspiring gift!
Each day when I venture outdoors, instant gratitude emerges from my heart. Right now, I am praying on a 7th floor porch. Dense morning fog has a unique beauty which inspires me. Birds serenade the start of another day. As Heschel says, “Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.”I start this day more aware and more grateful, thanks to this question.
I truly appreciate how each day’s quote & reflection question dovetail.
Namaste to those who orchestrate this wonderful site.
Josie, Heschel’s quote is one to which I keep returning – it is a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing it and bringing forward again in my awareness!
I wrote a second post about a book I just finished that I thought many would like, but it disappeared. It’s called “Windswept- Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women” by Annabel Abbs. I don’t know where it went so writing a briefer post. Most of the women were artists or writers.
I didn’t read it all at once but enjoyed the story of each woman and put the book down for a while. Each chapter unpacked different things; gender roles ( woman walking alone v men), conquering fears, finding oneself, how different types of nature brings different effects.
I thought of many here while reading it and wanted to share.
Like Michelle, for the past year it’s been noticing the birds around me, but for me it’s been their songs. Something I used to take for granted and didn’t really notice.
Speaking of sounds- Just the other night after a rain I went outside and listened to the orchestra- as much as I love John Williams and David Foster’s compositions, nothing beats nature’s song after an evening rain.
Every day! We walk every day, and I love noticing the trees, plants, birds, butterflies, turtles at the park pond, and more.
I will add, however, that when I was sitting in the ocean on a surfboard last month, I was overcome with gratitude. The ocean is my element, and I felt so connected being engulfed in the rhythm of it all – the waves, the blue skies, shining sun, salty air… 🕉️
The other day I was pointing out all the different species of birds (and other animals) that visit my backyard to a guest I had in my home. I’m grateful for the fauna I see where I live.
Happy Monday 🙂
There is never ‘a’ last time. There is ‘an’ every time. We are nature, along with all life. No separation. No duality. As Charlie wrote a few days ago . . . no us and them. I feel a sense of gratefulness every new day . . . a gift, to witness nature one more time.
Peace, Love & Light.
Kathy, it’s easy to fall into the reason or purpose trap. We always need something whether it’s company, mental health, or managing that blood sugar. Often times, just doing it is the best course of action.
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All the time! It surprises me. Yesterday it was pointed out to me that here in WI we have native orchids. WOW we are so blessed.
When I see the birds in my bird bath. Sometimes they drink, sometimes they bathe. Last night 3 or 4 of them were just sitting in the water!
Right now! As I am learning new strategies for better health I am trying to meditate (A), and meditate outdoors (B) when I can. Texas heat is a bear! And some days getting outside after early mornings is just “unbearable”. Fortunately, today there is a strong breeze, so my husband, my dog and I are all enjoying some peaceful moments on our back porch. I am grateful for the back yard garden we have cultivated – the colors, the variety of plants, the birdhouses and feeders that draw the birds in, hummingbird feeders and pollinators that attract the bees, butterflies, dragonflies. And mornings and evenings we have bunnies that treat our chihuahua to a good chase around the yard. It is a sacred and holy place for us. In fact we call it Grace Place.
Katrina, Your response to today’s question paints a uplifting picture! All is grace. Thought you might enjoy reading Richard Rohr’s meditation today.
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-grace-is-from-gods-side/
Today ! I walked my dog and enjoyed the forest and the sunshine. There were lovely wild flowers everywhere. I’m so grateful for nature !
I walked outside this morning and saw our drought-tolerant yard thriving. The native grass is green and sprouting seeds, the lavender is humungous, and I saw a kind of bee I’d never seen before. We’re in a historical drought, and can only water twice a week–and the garden loves it! I’m grateful that I had an aversion to non-native grass in the desert and didn’t go that route in the first place.
Nature is such a gift to all! I feel grateful every moment I take the time to notice that I am enmeshed in it. Last night walking my dog at midnight and looking up at the glittering sky, this morning as I go out to sip my tea and watch the sun peak over the neighbors roof. The trick is taking the time to notice!
I am not only grateful for its beauty and the sense of wonder it inspires, but am grateful that it is there for all, a free beautiful, awe-inspiring gift!
Each day when I venture outdoors, instant gratitude emerges from my heart. Right now, I am praying on a 7th floor porch. Dense morning fog has a unique beauty which inspires me. Birds serenade the start of another day. As Heschel says, “Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.”I start this day more aware and more grateful, thanks to this question.
I truly appreciate how each day’s quote & reflection question dovetail.
Namaste to those who orchestrate this wonderful site.
I had not been aware of Heschel and looked him up. Thank you–I’d like to read some of his work now.
Josie, Heschel’s quote is one to which I keep returning – it is a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing it and bringing forward again in my awareness!
I wrote a second post about a book I just finished that I thought many would like, but it disappeared. It’s called “Windswept- Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women” by Annabel Abbs. I don’t know where it went so writing a briefer post. Most of the women were artists or writers.
I didn’t read it all at once but enjoyed the story of each woman and put the book down for a while. Each chapter unpacked different things; gender roles ( woman walking alone v men), conquering fears, finding oneself, how different types of nature brings different effects.
I thought of many here while reading it and wanted to share.
Thank you Deann! I read the summary, the book sounds good. I’ve read Nan Shepherd and love her writing.
I feel that everyday as Ngoc and I go on our daily walk twice a day. Yesterday was the exception, because it was a rainy day.
Like Michelle, for the past year it’s been noticing the birds around me, but for me it’s been their songs. Something I used to take for granted and didn’t really notice.
Speaking of sounds- Just the other night after a rain I went outside and listened to the orchestra- as much as I love John Williams and David Foster’s compositions, nothing beats nature’s song after an evening rain.
Every day! We walk every day, and I love noticing the trees, plants, birds, butterflies, turtles at the park pond, and more.
I will add, however, that when I was sitting in the ocean on a surfboard last month, I was overcome with gratitude. The ocean is my element, and I felt so connected being engulfed in the rhythm of it all – the waves, the blue skies, shining sun, salty air… 🕉️
The other day I was pointing out all the different species of birds (and other animals) that visit my backyard to a guest I had in my home. I’m grateful for the fauna I see where I live.
Happy Monday 🙂
There is never ‘a’ last time. There is ‘an’ every time. We are nature, along with all life. No separation. No duality. As Charlie wrote a few days ago . . . no us and them. I feel a sense of gratefulness every new day . . . a gift, to witness nature one more time.
Peace, Love & Light.
The last time I felt a sense of gratefulness in nature?
Likely, the last time I took a walk just to take a walk.
I do not do that enough John-take a walk just to take a walk- TKS for the reminder!
Kathy, it’s easy to fall into the reason or purpose trap. We always need something whether it’s company, mental health, or managing that blood sugar. Often times, just doing it is the best course of action.
Watching my garden grow…..thrive!