Reflections

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  1. barba

    Healing as a growing sense of being part of life, not outside and wrong and worthless.
    How: I learned not to see the threats and fears but rather all the gifts and the gift of life. The amazement of how crazy and great it is to be alive.

    2 weeks ago
  2. Robin Ann

    I most certainly have!! I found this site when I was feeling extremely overwhelmed with my daughter’s addiction. I found myself paralyzed at times even though I worked hard to learn everything I could to be the best support person to her. My faith, my addiction family support all helped but practicing Gratefulness definitely was what I needed. Somehow with the Grace of God and perhaps my better mindset she is almost 6 mos sober and has already asked me to celebrate her one year of sobriety in January! I have renewed hope and my life (my health/anxiety) have improved as well. I appreciate everyone that comes to this site and reflects. I have learned so much from being part of this community. Thank you : )

    2 weeks ago
    1. Robin Ann

      Thank you all SO much for all your heartfelt comments, it truly means a lot to me : ) : )

      2 weeks ago
    2. Michele

      I’m also routing for her too:)

      2 weeks ago
    3. Avril

      Thank you for sharing–gratefulness works.

      2 weeks ago
    4. Mary Mantei

      Robin Ann, your renewed energy is brilliant, shining through your words. Your daughter’s struggle and progress has changed all your lives. I am rooting for her! Blessings on you each and all.

      2 weeks ago
    5. Nannette

      Hello Robin Ann, I am so happy to hear such good news. It has been very hard for you. I have followed you all these months…and now you have a renewed hope in your heart and a spring in your step!!! Congratulations to your daughter…and may you both Celebrate her One Year Accomplishment. God Bless you both.

      2 weeks ago
    6. Anna

      So happy for you, and for your daughter, dear Robin Ann.

      2 weeks ago
    7. Laura

      That’s wonderful news!

      2 weeks ago
    8. Joseph McCann

      Robin Ann, heartfelt thank you for all your reflections.

      2 weeks ago
  3. Don Jones

    If physical life is Life 1.0 and, if spiritual life is Life 2.0, just as the breath (ruach) sustains the physical (Life 1.0), Love is what sustains the spiritual (Life 2.0). Gratitude is a facet of the manifestation of that Love which cycles through my spiritual lungs (Life 2.0). In these contexts, to be truly alive, and healthy, and healed, my deepest desire is to be at one with God (the transcendence of Life 1.0 and Life 2.0). That is my Eden.

    2 weeks ago
  4. sparrow

    Oh goodness, yes!
    Being grateful
    has changed my perspective completely,
    by guiding me towards how much I have,
    not how little I have,
    and I don’t mean just physical things,
    but most importantly,
    my soul,
    my spirit,
    my inner self.
    This gratitude heals me,
    and helps me see
    that everything that has happened to me,
    everything I have seen, heard, or experienced,
    has been to guide me here,
    where I am now,
    and gives me hope
    that this path will continue upward.

    2 weeks ago
    1. Barb C

      Beautifully said. Good to see you again, Sparrow.

      2 weeks ago
      1. sparrow

        Good to see you too,
        dear Barb . . . ♥

        2 weeks ago
  5. Charlie T

    I think so. If I consider healing, as living
    with less suffering, then yes.
    Having a practice that helps move the
    needle towards positivity, has definitely
    Given me a more balanced outlook.

    2 weeks ago
  6. pkr

    Living from a place of gratefulness I believe has made my life richer, happier, healthier & more complete. Having a grateful attitude makes my view of my life, the world around me rosier. I have had my share of trials & tribulations, as we all have. Keeping an attitude of gratefulness has made getting thru those “dark” moments a bit easier. I feel this attitude is not only good for my mental health but my physical health as well.
    ✨🙏🏻✨

    2 weeks ago
  7. Yram

    Yes, I have experienced healing. Like many of you said, the comments that are posted here are a salve for my bumps and bruises life sometimes throws at me. I feel a calm. Yesterday, I was with a friend and we laughed so hard it cleansed both of us. So if I back up, I am grateful we have this long time connection, transportation to get to the meeting place, all the servers and cooks that made our lunch possible, etc…. how can I not be healed.

    2 weeks ago
  8. L
    Lauryn

    Yes, by paying more attention to the little things (the extraordinary in the ordinary) and understanding and accepting my limitations— these two things have helped shift my perspective and become more comfortable in my own skin.

    2 weeks ago
    1. L
      Loc Tran

      Lauryn, well said. The little things aren’t little, matter, and add up.

      2 weeks ago
  9. Ngoc Nguyen

    Absolutely! Life is not a shell, and that’s why I can’t avoid being hurt and needing to heal. Healing is a result of cultivating gratitude for the small and big events in my life. Life often doesn’t go as planned. The more I face unwanted occurrences with negativity, the more they pull me down. Instead, if I view these situations as opportunities for new experiences, my well-being is healed from disappointment – a result of living gratefully.

    2 weeks ago
    1. L
      Loc Tran

      My Ngoc, having each other helps. Even if we’re not in the same place physically each other’s spirit will always be there. That’s enough for me to feel confident in whatever I’m doing.

      2 weeks ago
  10. Carol

    Gratefulness in and of itself is healing because it changes my perspective. It reminds me not to turn a situation into a problem. It connect both my past and my future in the present moment. As brother David encourages us in the video “A Grateful Day.” Today is the gift and gratefulness helps us to discover meaning in our daily living. It opens our eyes and our hearts. He reminds you and me to “Let the gratefulness flow into blessings all around you.” For me, that is a good description of the power to heal that grateful living offers us.

    I love this quote I found on Facebook at Steven Twohig Senior’s page.

    “Our wounded child is not only us; he or she may represent several generations of ancestors.Our parents and ancestors may have suffered all their lives without knowing how to look after the wounded child in themselves, so they transmitted that child to us.So when we’re embracing the wounded child inside us, we’re embracing all the wounded children of past generations.This practice doesn’t just benefit us; it liberates numberless generations of ancestors and descendants. This practice can break the cycle.” -Thich Nhat Hanh The Art of Communicating

    Steven added: “We all have generational shadows. These shadows are handed down like waves of deep conscious pain traveling through the human condition like a virus.When I find myself experiencing the crashing wave of generational shadow, I find strength in knowing I am doing the work for all of my ancestors, all of my descendants, along with myself. And yes, the rest of the world as well. We are all just walking each other home.”

    2 weeks ago
    1. Michele

      Generational shadows – very interesting and makes a lot of sense, thank you:)

      2 weeks ago
    2. Robin Ann

      Thank you for pointing this out Carol, I have recognized this in both my parents at certain times. For example, My Dad at times will point out shame in a situation and I have called him out on it. He said yes he does it. I am sure he learned at some point from family members.

      2 weeks ago
    3. pkr

      Thank you Carol for posting this piece about the inner wounded child & generational shadows. This is an area I have been exploring as of late & trying to heal from. Thank you.
      Have a peaceful day. ❤️

      2 weeks ago
    4. L
      Loc Tran

      Carol, I’m all too familiar with intergenerational trauma as an Asian. Asians are known to be very traditional. When you brought up the wounded child, it reminds me of how previous generations have the best of intentions but don’t have enough knowledge and coping skills to deal with their wounded child, so they come off pushy and judgemental. We end up obsorbing their wounded child on top of ours. Fortunately, the tide is turning in a society of mixed cultures and greater diversity inside and outside with increased awareness in the area of mental health.

      2 weeks ago
    5. L
      Lauryn

      Thank you for this. An interesting idea that I will ponder today. 🙏

      2 weeks ago
  11. Butterfly

    I am definately so much happier now that greatfulness is part of my life. I am focused on all that I can do and all that I have and I am so grateful for all the help that I have to do the things I can no longer do for myself.

    2 weeks ago
    1. Nannette

      What a wonderful way of looking at things, Butterfly!!! I love your comment and it is VERY helpful to me. Thank you so very much.

      2 weeks ago
  12. Laura

    Gratefulness heals the unavoidable small cuts and bruises of everyday life. Every time I pause to notice my surroundings, gratefulness for the beauty and bounty all around is like a soothing balm.

    2 weeks ago
    1. Michele

      Love this!

      2 weeks ago
  13. L
    Loc Tran

    I feel more comfortable interacting with people and have a greater realization of my hidden social abilities.

    2 weeks ago
  14. Nannette

    Since recently having a very serious health crisis and I am still recovering from it…I am so very grateful for all that I am given. Each new day, I am Blessed to be here. I can now do things with more gratitude that before…Taking a shower, getting dressed by myself..these things I took for granted. Now all things simple to complex; I am so thankful for any task that I can do. Thanks to my belief in God; I believe my body is healing each day. I am grateful for everyone who comes to this site…all kind and loving folks- whom I learn from each day. Each person may have a different perspective , a new idea- all so very important to think about and perhaps bring to my own life. Yes; this site and all of you offer healing and hope.

    2 weeks ago
    1. Avril

      Continued healing

      2 weeks ago
    2. Mary Mantei

      May your beautiful self continue to heal, Nannette.

      2 weeks ago
    3. Robin Ann

      Nannette, so glad you are doing better each and every day : )

      2 weeks ago
  15. sunnypatti

    Practicing gratitude turns on the dopamine and serotonin, which makes us feel good and happy. I think that itself is healing! I like feeling good, so I keep practicing. It has made my life better, and I deal with stressful things a lot easier than I used to.

    2 weeks ago

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