The entire Practice,
for me,
is about using mindfulness and gratitude
as twin touchstones
as a way to navigate my life.
Now that I’ve been doing this for years,
there is no other way.
Together
they keep me softer,
kinder,
and more compassionate,
and although I am still
just a kindergarten student
it is obvious to me
that my life
has been made better for it.
I am certainly not done yet . . .
I am still frightened to death
of some things,
still have a few regrets
about others,
and I frequently flail about
with doubts and questions.
But Gratitude
lives in me strong
and I will trust
that it will hold me in its arms
when the road gets rough
again. ♥
In the morning, when opening the blinds of my windows, I m grateful for the new day ahead, these days full of gratefulness also that Spring is in the air, and as the day starts, there are often moments of gratitude, causing joy in heart and replied to with a smile, with loving kindness in contact with the ones I encounter. Gratefulness transforms an “ordinary” or even a gray day into a sunny day, even though the sun might be hiding behind the clouds for a moment. May you all have a beautiful weekend full of inspirational Spring energy.
Ah,
dear Ose . . .
I picture you
rising in the morning
with gratitude in your heart
and kindness in your bearing.
You cannot help
but have a beautiful day. ♥
😘❤️🤩🙏, hoping to really reach and encounter, possibly touching the other with a grateful and open heart, so that we may be resonate in gratefulness together
I think the word I’m looking for, is equanimity.
When things are going well, I am reminded of the myriad of ways things could have gone, but didn’t.
Keeping me a little closer to the ground.
And when things are difficult, I am aware of the gifts and ephemeral nature of things. Lifting me a little bit. And I think that this state of mind allows me to have a broader view of the possibilities and to see options that might have been obscured by the tunnel vision of my euphoria or misery.
This is so true,
dear Charlie,
at least for me.
My daily perspective,
one of gratitude and equanimity
helps me too
to see more clearly
things I might have otherwise overlooked.
Thank you for your reflection . . .
it helps me. ♥
A friend once said in a sermon, “no matter the situation…how frustratng, glorious, painful, disorienting…I have learned to ask the question ‘What is there for me to learn here?'” I, myself, might also add that it is helpful to ask, “For what is there to be grateful in this situation?” Both of those questions have become touchstones for me.
I have been committed, for a very long time now, to begin my day with gratefulness. I feel it is grounding and a positive start to the day. By serving as a daily ritual, the benefits help navigate through life’s challenges as well as joys.
Happy Friday 🙂
Gratefulness can’t directly turn challenging moments into joy, but through gratefulness, I’m able to see my blessings during tough times, turning the unfortunate experience into something fortunate. 🍀
What came to my mind spontaneously was the thought, « I get to », rather than « I have to. « From a perspective of gratefulness, everything has its’ place in my life. It is all an opportunity to live fully, even when I am not crazy about the « opportunity ». ♥️
I needed to read the definition of ‘touchstone’. The Merriam-Webster defines touchstone as : a test or criterion of genuineness or quality. Synonyms; Standard, Gauge, Benchmark, Yardstick.
Gratefulness serves me as a reminder that I must be grateful for the dark, which without, the light shall have nothing to shine through.
On Maslow’s 5 levels of needs, I’m at level 5, self-actualization, now. My deficiency needs from physiological, safety, belonging, and self-esteem in order have all been met. This is why it’s easier for me to branch out and form buddy systems.
I’m grateful for this question because I’m learning why self love is and trusting the Universe/Life/Love is key 🔑.
After five years of deep repentance of cleansing my human mind so much Truth is revealed- I’m aromatically naturally grateful: it’s difficult to explain the treasure that is being revealed but by bit . All I know is it’s more than I could ever dream possible. Someone as “awful” and reckless like me could loved ? The root of this human mind is inferiority and it seems like all my pictures of my historical life lived to my current age is a complete fabrication an illusion. What an amazing opportunity to be revealed. I’m completely and utterly amazed by the grace of the universe. I’m so thankful for being able to let go of all these heavy false beliefs and convictions of a false ghost. If I can do this anyone can do this – anyone who truly wants to be free from the tomb of death can be free.
Today the flashlight 🔦 keeps guiding on how to let go-repent MY burdens which are all false ! What a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for giving me LIFE! I can’t thank enough! Truth is within us ! Who knew ? Wow 🤩! Thank goodness! Im eternally grateful! Without a method I would have never made it out ALIVE!
I’m grateful for this question because I’m learning why self love is and trusting the Universe/Life/Love is key 🔑.
After five years of deep repentance of cleansing my human mind so much Truth is revealed- I’m aromatically naturally grateful: it’s difficult to explain the treasure that is being revealed but by bit . All I know is it’s more than I could ever dream possible. Someone as “awful” and reckless like me could loved ? The root of this human mind is inferiority and it seems like all my pictures of my historical life lived to my current age is a complete fabrication an illusion. What an amazing opportunity to be revealed. I’m completely and utterly amazed by the grace of the universe. I’m so thankful for being able to let go of all these heavy false beliefs and convictions of a false ghost. If I can do this anyone can do this – anyone who truly wants to be free from the tomb of death can be free.
Today the flashlight 🔦 keeps guiding on how to let go-repent MY burdens which are all false ! What a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for giving me LIFE! I can’t thank enough! Truth is within us ! Who knew ? Wow 🤩! Thank goodness! Im eternally grateful! Without a method I would have never made it out ALIVE!
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.
The entire Practice,
for me,
is about using mindfulness and gratitude
as twin touchstones
as a way to navigate my life.
Now that I’ve been doing this for years,
there is no other way.
Together
they keep me softer,
kinder,
and more compassionate,
and although I am still
just a kindergarten student
it is obvious to me
that my life
has been made better for it.
I am certainly not done yet . . .
I am still frightened to death
of some things,
still have a few regrets
about others,
and I frequently flail about
with doubts and questions.
But Gratitude
lives in me strong
and I will trust
that it will hold me in its arms
when the road gets rough
again. ♥
In the morning, when opening the blinds of my windows, I m grateful for the new day ahead, these days full of gratefulness also that Spring is in the air, and as the day starts, there are often moments of gratitude, causing joy in heart and replied to with a smile, with loving kindness in contact with the ones I encounter. Gratefulness transforms an “ordinary” or even a gray day into a sunny day, even though the sun might be hiding behind the clouds for a moment. May you all have a beautiful weekend full of inspirational Spring energy.
Ah,
dear Ose . . .
I picture you
rising in the morning
with gratitude in your heart
and kindness in your bearing.
You cannot help
but have a beautiful day. ♥
😘❤️🤩🙏, hoping to really reach and encounter, possibly touching the other with a grateful and open heart, so that we may be resonate in gratefulness together
Gratefulness provides a perspective that helps us use both joy and sorrow in constructive-life-giving ways.
I think the word I’m looking for, is equanimity.
When things are going well, I am reminded of the myriad of ways things could have gone, but didn’t.
Keeping me a little closer to the ground.
And when things are difficult, I am aware of the gifts and ephemeral nature of things. Lifting me a little bit. And I think that this state of mind allows me to have a broader view of the possibilities and to see options that might have been obscured by the tunnel vision of my euphoria or misery.
This is so true,
dear Charlie,
at least for me.
My daily perspective,
one of gratitude and equanimity
helps me too
to see more clearly
things I might have otherwise overlooked.
Thank you for your reflection . . .
it helps me. ♥
The ephemeral nature of everything helps to truly let go -lovey thank you .
Love this, Charlie.
A friend once said in a sermon, “no matter the situation…how frustratng, glorious, painful, disorienting…I have learned to ask the question ‘What is there for me to learn here?'” I, myself, might also add that it is helpful to ask, “For what is there to be grateful in this situation?” Both of those questions have become touchstones for me.
Such wisdom, Katrina.♥️
Both are excellent questions to ask of oneself!
I have been committed, for a very long time now, to begin my day with gratefulness. I feel it is grounding and a positive start to the day. By serving as a daily ritual, the benefits help navigate through life’s challenges as well as joys.
Happy Friday 🙂
And a happy Friday eve to you Michele.
The commitment part is so important. It’s time for me to re-commit. Thank you Michele.
A touchstone, for me, is something I keep returning to to ground me. When I am grateful, I am in the present and that brings awareness for what is.
Gratefulness can’t directly turn challenging moments into joy, but through gratefulness, I’m able to see my blessings during tough times, turning the unfortunate experience into something fortunate. 🍀
My Ngoc, our lives are certainly easier than many people out there.
What came to my mind spontaneously was the thought, « I get to », rather than « I have to. « From a perspective of gratefulness, everything has its’ place in my life. It is all an opportunity to live fully, even when I am not crazy about the « opportunity ». ♥️
This makes me think of the line, “This isn’t happening to me, this is happening for me.”
I needed to read the definition of ‘touchstone’. The Merriam-Webster defines touchstone as : a test or criterion of genuineness or quality. Synonyms; Standard, Gauge, Benchmark, Yardstick.
Gratefulness serves me as a reminder that I must be grateful for the dark, which without, the light shall have nothing to shine through.
Peace, Love & Light
Well said.
As Leonard Cohen said,
dear Joseph,
“There’s a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.” ♥
Joseph, I love the word genuine!
On Maslow’s 5 levels of needs, I’m at level 5, self-actualization, now. My deficiency needs from physiological, safety, belonging, and self-esteem in order have all been met. This is why it’s easier for me to branch out and form buddy systems.
I’m grateful for this question because I’m learning why self love is and trusting the Universe/Life/Love is key 🔑.
After five years of deep repentance of cleansing my human mind so much Truth is revealed- I’m aromatically naturally grateful: it’s difficult to explain the treasure that is being revealed but by bit . All I know is it’s more than I could ever dream possible. Someone as “awful” and reckless like me could loved ? The root of this human mind is inferiority and it seems like all my pictures of my historical life lived to my current age is a complete fabrication an illusion. What an amazing opportunity to be revealed. I’m completely and utterly amazed by the grace of the universe. I’m so thankful for being able to let go of all these heavy false beliefs and convictions of a false ghost. If I can do this anyone can do this – anyone who truly wants to be free from the tomb of death can be free.
Today the flashlight 🔦 keeps guiding on how to let go-repent MY burdens which are all false ! What a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for giving me LIFE! I can’t thank enough! Truth is within us ! Who knew ? Wow 🤩! Thank goodness! Im eternally grateful! Without a method I would have never made it out ALIVE!
Yes, Antoinette, I ,too, sense that the Truth is within us.
Thank you for being honest and kind Carol Ann . This Truth is within us all. 💞🌷
Antoinette, Big Hug coming your way!
I would love it if we could all meet someplace in a sunny afternoon park and have a grateful picnic 🧺!
Antoinette, the truth will set us free.
Loc Tran , thank goodness for this ! Thanks for being kind and keep on keeping on! Hugs 🤗 happy weekend to you . 💞
No problem, Antoinette. Happy weekend to you too.
Yes, thank goodness for Antoinette.
Amen!
Thank goodness for Truth . 💓🌼
I’m grateful for this question because I’m learning why self love is and trusting the Universe/Life/Love is key 🔑.
After five years of deep repentance of cleansing my human mind so much Truth is revealed- I’m aromatically naturally grateful: it’s difficult to explain the treasure that is being revealed but by bit . All I know is it’s more than I could ever dream possible. Someone as “awful” and reckless like me could loved ? The root of this human mind is inferiority and it seems like all my pictures of my historical life lived to my current age is a complete fabrication an illusion. What an amazing opportunity to be revealed. I’m completely and utterly amazed by the grace of the universe. I’m so thankful for being able to let go of all these heavy false beliefs and convictions of a false ghost. If I can do this anyone can do this – anyone who truly wants to be free from the tomb of death can be free.
Today the flashlight 🔦 keeps guiding on how to let go-repent MY burdens which are all false ! What a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for giving me LIFE! I can’t thank enough! Truth is within us ! Who knew ? Wow 🤩! Thank goodness! Im eternally grateful! Without a method I would have never made it out ALIVE!