Robin, it was a nice warm sunny day in the Twin Cities today. It’s suppose to rain tomorrow into Friday. I hear the birds churp every morning around 5am.
By taking a second and slowing down.
By looking around and seeing, smelling, and listening to the world around me.
By taking into account the things I’m grateful for.
Before looking at your responses,what I came up with was “By remembering to Stop.Look.Go, and reminding myself that every moment is a gift.”
Your responses have given me so much more richness to help me more fully acknowledge the gifts of this day in my busiest moments: including tuning in to my senses, smiling, catching and redirecting myself when I get caught in “distracting detail,” feeling “deep gratefulness for the infinite patience of the Divine”. Thank you, everyone! I had been focusing my gratefulness practice in other directions the past few week: hosting my first ever Grateful Gathering in my local community and also taking part in the Anatomy of Gratefulness class. But this little discussion group and the feeling of community it inspires is hard to beat! So grateful for all of you.
I am grateful for you too Elizabeth.
Thank you for calling attention to the Waging Nonviolence website
and the Nonviolence News site.
These sites help to keep me from feeling so discouraged in this
chaotic time in America.
Congrats on your first Grateful Gathering!
😊
Thank you, Mary! I really appreciate how you write caring messages to so many people in this group and make us all feel like we matter ♥️ And I appreciate the posts that you write. I was worried a couple of days ago when I was just getting back on again and didn’t see any posts from you. I hope that everything is going ok.
Yes I am fine, Elizabeth, thank you for asking!🥰
Thanks for noticing my messages.
I write them because I really do care.
Life can be hard. And this is such a kind group of people.
Also I learn from and am inspired by everyone here.
I really felt how hard you took what’s happened in our country
since late January. I have felt this deeply too.
I love how you took your deep sadness and used it to help you
find your way to taking action and living with purpose during these difficult times.
You have inspired me.
Much love to you,
Mary
Awww— Thank you, Mary! And I’m glad to hear that you are fine. ♥️
1
Barb C
2 months ago
What comes to mind is the idea of a “reset” as I shift from one activity to the next, one meeting to the next. If I can remember to pause, to mentally set down one thing before picking up the next and genuinely take that beat, I can appreciate that moment and the things that fill my life. I schedule my meetings to be sure I have at least a 5-minute break between but those 5 minutes often fill with their own things, like getting more coffee and sending one more email.
I’ll be working in our headquarters building today and won’t have my usual view of trees, birds, and the occasional yard bunny. I’ll miss that opportunity to appreciate the blooming spring all around so I’ll have to pay attention on my bus ride and walk, or on my bike ride (I need to test whether I can ride with my wrenched ribs–still very sore!–and still-bruised hands).
According to Miriam-Webster, “busy” can mean either engaged in action or full of distracting detail. When I’m engaged in action, I’ll focus on being present with whatever it is I’m doing (and not try to layer multiple actions on top of each other unnecessarily). When I’m full of distracting detail, I will thank my mind for attempting to take care of everything at once, and practice self-compassion, and return to being present.
By pausing to take a breathe or two or several, pay attention to what my senses are acknowledging and be grateful for the moment’s gifts, I might acknowledge the gifts of this day during the busiest moments.
The first thing I thought of was “Stop, Look, Go. As I begin to read other answers, it looks like I am not alone in this answer. I find that the best way to stop is to focus on the breath. Breathing in…Breathing out. It is a profound way to stop and actually look at myself. Is my body tense? Am I in the past or future. May I be here, NOW…Present to the Presence.
Sparrow, I first read “Be Here Now” in the late 1990’s when I found Dass’ book on the shelf of Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation where I was a work intern. I was fascinated to find out Ram Dass was saying back in the 1970’s what Eckhart Tolle was saying more recently. I think the most influential statement that has stuck with me in recent years is “The past is history. The future is mystery. Today is the gift. That’s why we call it the present.” I’ve seen that quote attributed to more than one person but have been told that many attribute it to Eleanor Roosevelt.
That moment of stopping and looking at yourself is so informative. Sometimes I can come back to present really quickly, other times I find layers of things I hadn’t noticed before. And being present is just … whatever it is in that moment.
In my tradition, we call the constant remembering of being on the path Smriti. My teacher explains it’s not being obsessive; rather, it’s lovingly reflecting that we are more than our jobs, roles, and other forms of busyness. One basic way I ensure I’ll be more present is how I start the day. When I hit the ground running, I am more distracted. When I allow time for reflection, prayer, meditation, and gratefulness, I am exponentially more present. During the day, I will listen to dharma talks and get on a Zoom call that is available a few times per week with my spiritual community. Over the last few days, I have been off my game. I had oral surgery and I got off schedule. I feel deep gratefulness for the infinite patience of the Divine. The only one judging me is me, and I get to get back on the horse again and again.
My day arrives less harried if I reflect here, mediate, 20 mindful standing yoga. stretches for my back and some exercises with a resistance band. Getting off routine if I am out of town is decipherable immediately.
Avril, I resignate with you on the part about us being more than our jobs, roles, and busyness. I was born to play the piano, but my life goes beyond the keys.
At this point of my diminishment (new word to express the aging process or the impermanence of all I gleaned from an excerpt of an Eckhart Toole talk) I acknowledge the gifts of the day many times during the day. I stop to rest my bones from their labors with standing mediation. Open my senses and just observe the show around me without naming, describing a thing. It takes practice to gain any length of time to quiet the conditioned mind. Follow my breath and take in the surrounding beauty of the San Luis Valley during early spring. I am irrigating and the sound of water joins in. May all encounter peace, love and the gifts of today.
Joseph, I like hearing your descriptions of water in the San Luis Valley. It seems to have a communal and sacred quality. I’ve driven through parts of that (vast) region and camped numerous times, it seems like one can feel the presence of the water, either above ground or underground, everywhere.
The Alamosa River bisects our place, Drea. Unfortunately, they are over pumping the various aquifers here as like most places on the earth. Even in Arkansas! Agua es Vida.
I will stop and take pauses throughout the day. I have a scheduled massage later this evening I am looking forward to 🙂
https://nationaltoday.com/world-laboratory-day/ – this falls in line with National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, also known as Lab Week, is celebrated annually from April 20-26, 2025,
If Dr. Frankenstein was around, he would be celebrating, no doubt about it! Thank you, Michele. Just had to crack myself up with the image of Gene Wilder in a party hat dancing with the monster!
I loved that movie so much, in fact, I think that is why I picked Medical Lab Technician as a College Major. I loved seeing the lab behind the hidden stone walls.
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By taking time to see all the beauty of spring and hear the birds singing. Taking in a little sunshine at lunch time.
Robin, it was a nice warm sunny day in the Twin Cities today. It’s suppose to rain tomorrow into Friday. I hear the birds churp every morning around 5am.
I’m so grateful for this day🙏 thank you so much ! 🌻
By taking a second and slowing down.
By looking around and seeing, smelling, and listening to the world around me.
By taking into account the things I’m grateful for.
Before looking at your responses,what I came up with was “By remembering to Stop.Look.Go, and reminding myself that every moment is a gift.”
Your responses have given me so much more richness to help me more fully acknowledge the gifts of this day in my busiest moments: including tuning in to my senses, smiling, catching and redirecting myself when I get caught in “distracting detail,” feeling “deep gratefulness for the infinite patience of the Divine”. Thank you, everyone! I had been focusing my gratefulness practice in other directions the past few week: hosting my first ever Grateful Gathering in my local community and also taking part in the Anatomy of Gratefulness class. But this little discussion group and the feeling of community it inspires is hard to beat! So grateful for all of you.
I am grateful for you too Elizabeth.
Thank you for calling attention to the Waging Nonviolence website
and the Nonviolence News site.
These sites help to keep me from feeling so discouraged in this
chaotic time in America.
Congrats on your first Grateful Gathering!
😊
Thank you, Mary! I really appreciate how you write caring messages to so many people in this group and make us all feel like we matter ♥️ And I appreciate the posts that you write. I was worried a couple of days ago when I was just getting back on again and didn’t see any posts from you. I hope that everything is going ok.
Yes I am fine, Elizabeth, thank you for asking!🥰
Thanks for noticing my messages.
I write them because I really do care.
Life can be hard. And this is such a kind group of people.
Also I learn from and am inspired by everyone here.
I really felt how hard you took what’s happened in our country
since late January. I have felt this deeply too.
I love how you took your deep sadness and used it to help you
find your way to taking action and living with purpose during these difficult times.
You have inspired me.
Much love to you,
Mary
Awww— Thank you, Mary! And I’m glad to hear that you are fine. ♥️
What comes to mind is the idea of a “reset” as I shift from one activity to the next, one meeting to the next. If I can remember to pause, to mentally set down one thing before picking up the next and genuinely take that beat, I can appreciate that moment and the things that fill my life. I schedule my meetings to be sure I have at least a 5-minute break between but those 5 minutes often fill with their own things, like getting more coffee and sending one more email.
I’ll be working in our headquarters building today and won’t have my usual view of trees, birds, and the occasional yard bunny. I’ll miss that opportunity to appreciate the blooming spring all around so I’ll have to pay attention on my bus ride and walk, or on my bike ride (I need to test whether I can ride with my wrenched ribs–still very sore!–and still-bruised hands).
That must have been one hell of a tumble dear Barb. Continued healing thoughts your way.
Stop, look & go.
According to Miriam-Webster, “busy” can mean either engaged in action or full of distracting detail. When I’m engaged in action, I’ll focus on being present with whatever it is I’m doing (and not try to layer multiple actions on top of each other unnecessarily). When I’m full of distracting detail, I will thank my mind for attempting to take care of everything at once, and practice self-compassion, and return to being present.
Great observation,
dear Drea . . . ♥
By pausing to take a breathe or two or several, pay attention to what my senses are acknowledging and be grateful for the moment’s gifts, I might acknowledge the gifts of this day during the busiest moments.
By remembering to pause. To notice. To breathe. And to smile!
🙂
😊
This made *me* smile. Thank you!
The first thing I thought of was “Stop, Look, Go. As I begin to read other answers, it looks like I am not alone in this answer. I find that the best way to stop is to focus on the breath. Breathing in…Breathing out. It is a profound way to stop and actually look at myself. Is my body tense? Am I in the past or future. May I be here, NOW…Present to the Presence.
Ram Dass
wrote a wonderful book . . .
“Be Here Now”,
dear Carol . . .
I wonder if you were thinking of that
when you posted. ♥
Sparrow, I first read “Be Here Now” in the late 1990’s when I found Dass’ book on the shelf of Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation where I was a work intern. I was fascinated to find out Ram Dass was saying back in the 1970’s what Eckhart Tolle was saying more recently. I think the most influential statement that has stuck with me in recent years is “The past is history. The future is mystery. Today is the gift. That’s why we call it the present.” I’ve seen that quote attributed to more than one person but have been told that many attribute it to Eleanor Roosevelt.
That moment of stopping and looking at yourself is so informative. Sometimes I can come back to present really quickly, other times I find layers of things I hadn’t noticed before. And being present is just … whatever it is in that moment.
For me and my monkey mind, focusing on the breath is the most reliable way to get to the present moment!
Some one mentioned the practice of Stop look Go. This is perfect.
My life is very laid back. Acknowledging the gifts of this day comes easily like with any other day.
In my tradition, we call the constant remembering of being on the path Smriti. My teacher explains it’s not being obsessive; rather, it’s lovingly reflecting that we are more than our jobs, roles, and other forms of busyness. One basic way I ensure I’ll be more present is how I start the day. When I hit the ground running, I am more distracted. When I allow time for reflection, prayer, meditation, and gratefulness, I am exponentially more present. During the day, I will listen to dharma talks and get on a Zoom call that is available a few times per week with my spiritual community. Over the last few days, I have been off my game. I had oral surgery and I got off schedule. I feel deep gratefulness for the infinite patience of the Divine. The only one judging me is me, and I get to get back on the horse again and again.
Wishing you a speedy recovery from your oral sx.
My day arrives less harried if I reflect here, mediate, 20 mindful standing yoga. stretches for my back and some exercises with a resistance band. Getting off routine if I am out of town is decipherable immediately.
I hope you’re feeling better, Avril. Your reflection reminds me that there’s a reason we call it practice.
Heal quickly. We do get off path when ” bugs on the windshield” steps in. You are grounded. You will be back on your path.
Avril, I resignate with you on the part about us being more than our jobs, roles, and busyness. I was born to play the piano, but my life goes beyond the keys.
At this point of my diminishment (new word to express the aging process or the impermanence of all I gleaned from an excerpt of an Eckhart Toole talk) I acknowledge the gifts of the day many times during the day. I stop to rest my bones from their labors with standing mediation. Open my senses and just observe the show around me without naming, describing a thing. It takes practice to gain any length of time to quiet the conditioned mind. Follow my breath and take in the surrounding beauty of the San Luis Valley during early spring. I am irrigating and the sound of water joins in. May all encounter peace, love and the gifts of today.
Joseph, I like hearing your descriptions of water in the San Luis Valley. It seems to have a communal and sacred quality. I’ve driven through parts of that (vast) region and camped numerous times, it seems like one can feel the presence of the water, either above ground or underground, everywhere.
The Alamosa River bisects our place, Drea. Unfortunately, they are over pumping the various aquifers here as like most places on the earth. Even in Arkansas! Agua es Vida.
The water rights in CO are so irrational too. Much respect to you and other small farmers and small ranchers.
Diminished is truly a word with which I can identify. Thanks for sharing it. I find it helpful.
A term all too familiar lately.
🙂
Diminishment is what Tolkein says about the Elves in his Legendarium. They don’t age– they diminish.
Toole …….. Tolkien…….Interesting.
And are still pretty magical to the rest of us–something to remember as I age.
I will stop and take pauses throughout the day. I have a scheduled massage later this evening I am looking forward to 🙂
https://nationaltoday.com/world-laboratory-day/ – this falls in line with National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, also known as Lab Week, is celebrated annually from April 20-26, 2025,
Thank you researchers.
Thank you Yram.
Second that.
Thank you Drea.
We need to offer gratitude for labs in these days of anti-science. I am an epidemiologist.
Thank you Avril.
Thank you Avril, you are doing necessary work to save lives. Please know that so many are grateful for what you do.
If Dr. Frankenstein was around, he would be celebrating, no doubt about it! Thank you, Michele. Just had to crack myself up with the image of Gene Wilder in a party hat dancing with the monster!
I loved that movie so much, in fact, I think that is why I picked Medical Lab Technician as a College Major. I loved seeing the lab behind the hidden stone walls.